Napoleonic
adjective
Na·po·le·on·ic
nə-ˌpō-lē-ˈä-nik 
: of, relating to, or resembling Napoleon I: such as
a
: bellicose
The … terrier with the Napoleonic streak was here, lashing out at dogs several times its size whenever one approached …—
Laurence Sheehan
Laurence Sheehan
b
: having imperialist or expansionist ambitions
The man behind Formula One's surging popularity is … a Napoleonic figure who effectively took over the wayward sport two decades ago.—John U. Bacon
John U. BaconExamples of Napoleonic in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The church wedding was actually the couple's second wedding ceremony, as required by Napoleonic law.
—Francesca Pellegrini, Vanity Fair, 19 Apr. 2026
During the French Revolution and the Napoleonic wars of the early 19th century, for example, Britain imposed blockades on key French ports, which required a significant portion of the Royal Navy's ships.
—Scott Neuman, NPR, 16 Apr. 2026
Elba The largest island of the Tuscan Archipelago, low-key Elba trades hard on its Napoleonic history.
—Elizabeth Heath, Travel + Leisure, 31 Mar. 2026
Revolution and the expansionary nationalism of the Napoleonic era were to present the sisters with fearful new challenges, to be met by each of them according to her character and talents.
—Literary Hub, 26 Mar. 2026
Early revolutionary movements Some middle-class and patriotic groups soon began to regret the passing of the Napoleonic administration and its opportunities.
—Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 12 Mar. 2026
For $55 a person, experience the Napoleonic splendor of the Palace Arms, its steak frites or coq au vin and butterscotch caramel cream for dessert.
—Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 18 Feb. 2026
An additional reward of $100,000 is being offered for information leading to the return of the Napoleonic eagle finial.
—Joe Dwinell, Boston Herald, 11 Feb. 2026
Louvre to restore Napoleonic crown after brazen heist.
—Jane Onyanga-Omara, USA Today, 6 Feb. 2026
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Francesca Pellegrini, Vanity Fair, 19 Apr. 2026
During the French Revolution and the Napoleonic wars of the early 19th century, for example, Britain imposed blockades on key French ports, which required a significant portion of the Royal Navy's ships.
—Scott Neuman, NPR, 16 Apr. 2026
Elba The largest island of the Tuscan Archipelago, low-key Elba trades hard on its Napoleonic history.
—Elizabeth Heath, Travel + Leisure, 31 Mar. 2026
Revolution and the expansionary nationalism of the Napoleonic era were to present the sisters with fearful new challenges, to be met by each of them according to her character and talents.
—Literary Hub, 26 Mar. 2026
Early revolutionary movements Some middle-class and patriotic groups soon began to regret the passing of the Napoleonic administration and its opportunities.
—Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 12 Mar. 2026
For $55 a person, experience the Napoleonic splendor of the Palace Arms, its steak frites or coq au vin and butterscotch caramel cream for dessert.
—Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 18 Feb. 2026
An additional reward of $100,000 is being offered for information leading to the return of the Napoleonic eagle finial.
—Joe Dwinell, Boston Herald, 11 Feb. 2026
Louvre to restore Napoleonic crown after brazen heist.
—Jane Onyanga-Omara, USA Today, 6 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Napoleonic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Napoleonic. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.
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