empire

1 of 2

noun

em·​pire ˈem-ˌpī(-ə)r How to pronounce empire (audio)
Synonyms of empire
1
a(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
Empire [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

2 of 2

adjective

Em·​pire ˈäm-ˌpir How to pronounce Empire (audio) ˈem-ˌpī(-ə)r How to pronounce Empire (audio)
: of, relating to, or characteristic of a style (as of clothing or furniture) popular in early 19th century France

Synonyms of empire

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Noun

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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.
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Noun
Even the Chinese philosopher was wise enough to regard the individual as the basis of the empire. — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 30 Oct. 2026 By then Doheny had extended his petro-empire to the Teapot Dome federal lands in Wyoming. — Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026 The Row’s Agnes and Coach’s Empire—both available in various sizes—are two great work bag options. — Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2026 Hoping to sell the property while preserving his uncle’s legacy, Joe finds himself at odds with Darren (Swardson), the ambitious owner of a neighbouring go-kart track determined to bulldoze the course and expand his racing empire. — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for empire

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Adjective

1852, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of empire was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing empire

Browse Nearby Words

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empire
Empire
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Cite this Entry

“Empire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/empire. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

empire

noun
em·​pire ˈem-ˌpī(ə)r How to pronounce empire (audio)
1
a
: a major political unit with a large territory or a number of territories or peoples under one ruler with total authority
especially : one having an emperor as chief of state
b
: the territory of such a unit
c
: something resembling an empire
especially : a large group of businesses under one control
2
: the state of being under or of having complete rule or control

More from Merriam-Webster on empire

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about empire

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