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
Em·pire
ˈäm-ˌpir
ˈem-ˌpī(-ə)r
ˈem-ˌpī(-ə)r
: of, relating to, or characteristic of a style (as of clothing or furniture) popular in early 19th century France
Synonyms
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
Prarthana Prakash, Fortune Europe, 19 Apr. 2024
Archaeologists linked the unusual ruins to the ancient Roman empire’s shifting approach to modern-day France in the third century.
—Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 16 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for empire 
Noun
On Thursday, two of Arnault’s sons joined LVMH’s board, in addition to his two other children, consolidating the family’s control of the empire.
—Prarthana Prakash, Fortune Europe, 19 Apr. 2024
Archaeologists linked the unusual ruins to the ancient Roman empire’s shifting approach to modern-day France in the third century.
—Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 16 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for empire
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'empire.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Articles Related to empire
Dictionary Entries Near empire
Cite this Entry
“Empire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/empire. Accessed 4 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share