empire

1 of 2

noun

em·​pire ˈem-ˌpī(-ə)r 

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

capitalized [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  ˈem-ˌpī(-ə)r 

: of, relating to, or characteristic of a style (as of clothing or furniture) popular in early 19th century France

Synonyms

Noun

• conglomerate

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.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

This morning’s must reads Food On the Curtis Stone farm at the heart of his growing lifestyle empire May 19, 2025 Other must reads ‘Saturday Night Live’ Season 50 is complete. —Hailey Branson-Potts, Los Angeles Times, 20 May 2025

By then, the French had been struggling for years to break the Spanish monopoly on what had become a lucrative spice, planting vanilla in the tropical outposts of their own empire. —Jay Cheshes, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 May 2025

The Buc-ee's empire expands: Where is the beloved convenience store opening next? Product price markups vary, but Target says Target Circle 360 members will save nearly $20 per order with this new perk. —Mike Snider, USA Today, 20 May 2025

But when Thomas Gallier hires her to headline his new entertainment empire, the two can’t ignore the feelings that spark (in spite of interference from newspaper mogul, Nehemiah Alban). —Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 19 May 2025

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

Phrases Containing empire

• Empire Day
• Holy Roman Empire
• Second Empire

Kids Definition

empire

noun

em·​pire ˈem-ˌpī(ə)r 

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