Definition

1. Noun:
   • A large group of states or countries under a single supreme authority, often an emperor or empress: An "empire" is a major political unit where one state has established control over other territories and peoples, creating a vast, often multi-ethnic, realm.
   • Supreme political power; sovereignty: "Empire" can refer to the absolute authority or dominion wielded by a ruler or state.
   • An extensive enterprise under unified control: In a commercial context, an "empire" is a large business organization or conglomerate built and controlled by a single person, family, or group.
   • A variety of apple: (Capitalized as 'Empire') A type of eating apple that is a cross between a McIntosh and a Red Delicious.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Political Entity):
  • The Roman empire stretched across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.
  • She is studying the history of the Ottoman Empire.
• Noun (Commercial Enterprise):
  • He built a media empire from a single newspaper.
  • The family's retail empire includes hundreds of stores nationwide.
• Noun (Sovereignty):
  • The decree extended the emperor's empire over the newly conquered lands.
• Noun (Apple Variety):
  • For the pie, I like to use a tart apple like Granny Smith, but an Empire works well too.

Advanced Usage

• "The empire on which the sun never sets": A historical phrase used to describe a vast, global empire, most famously applied to the Spanish Empire and later the British Empire.
  • At its peak, the British Empire was so extensive it was said to be "the empire on which the sun never sets."
• "To build an empire": To create a large and powerful organization, typically in business.
  • The entrepreneur's goal was not just to start a company, but to build an empire.

Variants and Related Words

• Emperor (n): The male sovereign ruler of an empire.
• Empress (n): The female sovereign ruler of an empire, or the wife of an emperor.
• Imperial (adj): Relating to an empire or emperor.
  • The imperial palace was a symbol of the empire's power.
• Imperialism (n): A policy of extending a country's power and influence through colonization or military force.

Synonyms

• Realm: A kingdom or domain (often used poetically or formally).
• Domain: An area of territory owned or controlled by a ruler or government.
• Kingdom: A country, state, or territory ruled by a king or queen (typically smaller or more homogeneous than an empire).
• Conglomerate: A large corporation formed by the merging of separate and diverse firms (commercial synonym).

Related Phrases

• "The evil empire": A phrase popularized in the 20th century, often used pejoratively to describe a powerful, oppressive state perceived as a major adversary.
• "Empire-building": (Often used negatively) The process of aggressively expanding one's power or influence within an organization.
  • He was accused of empire-building by trying to take control of other departments.

Noun

1. an eating apple that somewhat resembles a McIntosh; used as both an eating and a cooking apple
2. a group of diverse companies under common ownership and run as a single organization
3. a monarchy with an emperor as head of state
4. a group of countries under a single authority
   • the British created a great empire
5. the domain ruled by an emperor or empress; the region over which imperial dominion is exercised