empire

noun

em·pire | \ ˈem-ˌpī(-ə)r

Definition of empire

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a(1) : a major political unit having a territory of great extent or a number of territories or peoples under a single sovereign authority especially : one having an emperor as chief of state

(2) : the territory of such a political unit

b : something resembling a political empire especially : an extensive territory or enterprise under single domination or control

2 : imperial sovereignty, rule, or dominion

3 capitalized [ Empire State, nickname for New York ] : a juicy apple with dark red skin that is a cross between a McIntosh apple and a Red Delicious apple

Empire

adjective

Em·pire | \ ˈäm-ˌpir,

ˈem-ˌpī(-ə)r

Definition of Empire (Entry 2 of 2)

: of, relating to, or characteristic of a style (as of clothing or furniture) popular in early 19th century France

Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about empire

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Examples of empire in a Sentence

Noun

She built a tiny business into a worldwide empire. He controlled a cattle empire in the heart of Texas.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Some have started to bandy about the names of esteemed designers currently without commitments—Philo, Alber Elbaz, Stefano Pilati, Christopher Bailey—in regards to the vacant seat at the head of the CK empire. — Steff Yotka, Vogue, "11 Reasons to Be Excited About The Year in Fashion," 4 Jan. 2019 First stop: Topkapı Palace, a.k.a. the Seraglio, a 15th-century Ottoman palace and municipal complex that served as the heart of the empire for 380 years. — Ashlea Halpern, Condé Nast Traveler, "Three Days In Istanbul," 28 Dec. 2018 Thomas finds himself home alone with his nearly-blind grandfather on Christmas eve, because his mother, as CEO of the family toy empire, is working late to rake in all those holiday profits. — Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, "Dial Code: Santa Claus is our new favorite holiday cult classic," 24 Dec. 2018 From Paris to the World Denver Art Museum Through March 3, 2019 Femininity cosseted in classicism, ardently cultured; marketing and licensing newly and aggressively global—in Dior’s hands the couture house was suddenly an expression of empire. — WSJ, "‘Dior: From Paris to the World’ Review: Timelessly Elegant, Yet Avant-Garde," 27 Nov. 2018 Religious leaders who align with the oppressive policies of the empire are subjected to especially harsh critiques in Scripture. — Rachel Held Evans, Washington Post, "The Bible is literature for the resistance," 12 July 2018 Facing financial problems, Garces sought bankruptcy protection over the objections of his earliest investors, who accused the chef of using profits from the successful restaurants Amada, Village Whiskey, and Tinto to prop up the rest of the empire. — Michael Klein, Philly.com, "Garces restaurant sale is approved; two will close this weekend," 10 July 2018 This all comes as Disney and Comcast appear to be preparing for an active bidding war to take over the entertainment portions of the Fox empire. — Brittany Martin, Los Angeles Magazine, "Seth MacFarlane Is Donating a Lot of Money to Public Radio to Fight Fox News," 19 June 2018 Certainly, at that time the context of an Italian and European recovery helped the growth and the building of this empire. — Jaimy Jones, Houston Chronicle, "Test your knowledge of Pearland area history," 19 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'empire.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for empire

Noun

Middle English, "supreme power, position of an emperor, territory under an emperor's rule," borrowed from Anglo-French, going back to Latin imperium "authority over family members and slaves exercised by the head of a household, supreme administrative authority, dominion, power exercised by a Roman emperor," from imperāre "to give orders, exercise authority, hold political power" + -ium, deverbal suffix of function or state — more at emperor

Adjective

French, from (le premier) Empire the first Empire of France

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