plural empires
1
: a group of countries or regions that are controlled by one ruler or one government
especially
: a group of countries ruled by an emperor or empress
the Roman Empire
2
: a very large business or group of businesses under the control of one person or company
She built a tiny business into a worldwide empire.
He controlled a cattle empire in the heart of Texas.
a media empire
Cite this Entry
“Empire.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/empire. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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