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
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
Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 July 2025
The comic book empire, which has become Hollywood’s most reliable hit maker, has greatly struggled with commercial consistency over the past five years.
—Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 27 July 2025
This year’s gathering, which drew scores of longtime Elon Musk fans, expanded to encompass SpaceX and the other companies in Musk’s overlapping business empire.
—Dana Hull, Fortune, 27 July 2025
That combined with a Thulsa Doom, an Atlantian in Conan who was from a much older civilization, who created as an empire off of the existing world.
—EW.com, 24 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for empire
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
Stewart’s Croquet & Cocktails is his newest venture, joining an empire that also includes the Woodshed Smokehouse, Love Shack (Fort Worth and DFW Airport), Queenie’s Steakhouse in Denton, the White Elephant Saloon, Gemelle, Ático, Paloma Suerte, Caterina’s and Tannahill’s Tavern & Music Hall.
—Bud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 July 2025
The comic book empire, which has become Hollywood’s most reliable hit maker, has greatly struggled with commercial consistency over the past five years.
—Rebecca Rubin, Variety, 27 July 2025
This year’s gathering, which drew scores of longtime Elon Musk fans, expanded to encompass SpaceX and the other companies in Musk’s overlapping business empire.
—Dana Hull, Fortune, 27 July 2025
That combined with a Thulsa Doom, an Atlantian in Conan who was from a much older civilization, who created as an empire off of the existing world.
—EW.com, 24 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for empire
Cite this Entry
“Empire.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/empire. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
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