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

capitalized : one like Napoleon I (as in ambition)

Synonyms

• baron
• captain
• czar
• tsar
• tzar
• king
• lion
• lord
• magnate
• mogul
• monarch
• prince
• tycoon

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

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

On the menu: Tuna tartare, yellowtail carpaccio, live diver-scallop motoyaki, duck breast with foie gras and a fusion dessert of creme-brulee napoleon with matcha and Japanese-whisky butterscotch sauce. —Joe Gray, chicagotribune.com, 16 Aug. 2019

It’s hard to pass this charming French patisserie without stopping for a treat: croissants, cinnamon rolls, apple strudel, éclairs, napoleons, cream puffs and much more. —Irene Lechowitzky, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2019

Enjoy a French stew with chicken, rice, baby carrots and napoleon for dessert Following dinner, The Cameo Club, a group of women who have competed in Ms. Senior CT, will provide entertainment. —Courant Community, 15 May 2018

Spread: The all-vegan menu included passed appetizers of quinoa patties with zucchini and sesame paste, garbanzo bean tostadas, avocado toast, wild mushroom polenta cakes and beet napoleon with cashew cheese. —Ramona Saviss, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Mar. 2018

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

His beet and goat cheese napoleons put Mr. Puck on the map, helped define modern California cuisine, and prompted a thousand copycats. —Julia Moskin, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2017

Guests can expect a fresh look, new logo and updates to the ever-evolving menu, but favorites like the lamb osso buco, salmon and crab napoleon and rum cake will stay. —Star-Telegram, star-telegram.com, 5 July 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
• eolian
• 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