napoleon

noun

na·​po·​leon nə-ˈpōl-yən  -ˈpō-lē-ən 

1

: a former French 20-franc gold coin

2

: an oblong pastry with a filling of cream, custard, or jelly

3

Napoleon : one like Napoleon I (as in ambition)

Synonyms of napoleon

• tycoon
• magnate
• king
• czar
• prince
• baron
• monarch
• lord
• lion

Examples of napoleon in a Sentence

started out as a small-time banker but ultimately became a Napoleon of finance

Recent Examples on the Web

The judges were impressed with Bernstein’s creative onion-forward dessert dish, a sweet onion tart alongside a sweet onion napoleon, which secured her win over the celebrity chef. — Moná Thomas, People.com, 1 Aug. 2025

While selection varies, the strawberry napoleon is a regular favorite. — Lindsey McClave, The Courier-Journal, 16 Oct. 2019

There’s also a separate case for the fancier desserts, like the 85ºC Mille Crepe, sea-salt coffee brulee and napoleon cakes. — Anna Caplan, star-telegram, 25 Oct. 2017

Word History

Etymology

French napoléon, from Napoléon Napoleon I

First Known Use

1814, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for napoleon

• anatolian
• mongolian

Kids Definition

napoleon

noun

na·​po·​leon nə-ˈpōl-yən 

-ˈpō-lē-ən

1

: a former French 20-franc gold coin

2

: an oblong pastry with a filling of cream, custard, or jelly