kaiser

noun

kai·​ser ˈkī-zər How to pronounce kaiser (audio)
: emperor
especially : the ruler of Germany from 1871 to 1918
kaiserdom noun
kaiserism noun

Examples of kaiser in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Doorn’s most famous citizen at the time was Wilhelm II, the German kaiser (emperor) and king of Prussia from 1888 to 1918, who was living there in exile. Linda Chase, Sun Sentinel, 26 Aug. 2024 The kaiser’s Germany—strong in arms, rich in music and philosophy, politically authoritarian—embodied Mann’s ideal. George Packer, The Atlantic, 5 Nov. 2024 The government was run by a chancellor who reported to a hereditary monarch, the kaiser, rather than to the public at large, and there were two legislative houses, an upper one dominated by Prussian conservatives and a lower one elected by universal suffrage. Sheri Berman, Foreign Affairs, 3 Dec. 2012 Starting at the turn of the previous century, Heilbrunn showcases the myriad ways in which influential conservatives, including many prominent Republicans, fawned over strongmen like the German kaiser and various Cold War-era juntas. Ishaan Tharoor, Washington Post, 8 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for kaiser 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old Norse keisari; akin to Old High German keisur emperor; both from a prehistoric Germanic word borrowed from Latin Caesar, cognomen of the Emperor Augustus

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of kaiser was in the 13th century

Dictionary Entries Near kaiser

Cite this Entry

“Kaiser.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kaiser. Accessed 13 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

kaiser

noun
kai·​ser ˈkī-zər How to pronounce kaiser (audio)
: the ruler of Germany from 1871 to 1918
Etymology

Middle English caisere "emperor," from Old Norse keisari, derived from a Germanic word kaisar "emperor," derived from Latin Caesar (title of a line of Roman emperors after Caesar Augustus) see Word History at emperor

Biographical Definition

Kaiser

biographical name

Kai·​ser ˈkī-zər How to pronounce Kaiser (audio)
Henry John 1882–1967 American industrialist
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