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
Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 5 Nov. 2024
Stewart honed the homemaking skills upon which her empire was built at a four-acre former onion farm dubbed Turkey Hill in Westport, Connecticut.
—Michelle Duncan, Architectural Digest, 5 Nov. 2024
Amazon has spent years building out its vast empire, investing heavily in data centers, e-commerce infrastructure, and logistics.
—Trefis Team, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
In the 2000s, at the height of her empire, Stewart made an odd fit for the era.
—Constance Grady, Vox, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for empire 
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Noun
Kirk’s apparatus has gone from a conservative youth-outreach organization to an all-encompassing right-wing empire—one that has cultivated relationships with influential conservative faith groups, built a powerful media arm, and hosted rallies for Trump and other top Republicans.
—Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 5 Nov. 2024
Stewart honed the homemaking skills upon which her empire was built at a four-acre former onion farm dubbed Turkey Hill in Westport, Connecticut.
—Michelle Duncan, Architectural Digest, 5 Nov. 2024
Amazon has spent years building out its vast empire, investing heavily in data centers, e-commerce infrastructure, and logistics.
—Trefis Team, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024
In the 2000s, at the height of her empire, Stewart made an odd fit for the era.
—Constance Grady, Vox, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for empire
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 22 Nov. 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
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