empire

em-pire · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    An extensive group of states or countries under a single supreme authority, especially an emperor or empress.

  2. 2.

    A large commercial organization owned or controlled by one person or group.

  3. 3.

    Supreme political power or dominion.

Forms

plural: empires

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    build an empire — to create a large, powerful organization or domain
  • •
    Empire State — a nickname for New York State
  • •
    the sun never sets on the empire — referring to a vast empire spanning many time zones

Related words

See also: emperor, empress, kingdom, realm
Synonyms: domain, dominion, kingdom, realm

Etymology

From Old French empire, from Latin imperium ("command, authority, empire"), from imperare ("to command"). First recorded in English in the 14th century.