Main Entry:: em·pire
Pronunciation:: \ˈem-ˌpī(-ə)r\
Function:: noun
Etymology:: Middle English, from Anglo-French empire, empirie, from Latin imperium absolute authority, empire, from imperare to command — more at emperor
Date:: 14th century

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 control2: imperial sovereignty, rule, or dominion3capitalized [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

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