Definition

1. Noun:
   • A female sovereign ruler of an empire: A woman who holds the position of emperor, the supreme monarch of an empire.
   • The wife or widow of an emperor: A woman who holds the title and rank by virtue of marriage to an emperor.

Examples of Usage

• As a female sovereign:
  • Empress Wu Zetian was the only female emperor in Chinese history.
  • The empress ruled her vast domain with wisdom and strength.
• As the wife of an emperor:
  • The emperor and his empress attended the state ceremony.
  • She was crowned empress upon her marriage to the new emperor.

Advanced Usage

• "Empress dowager": The title for the widow of a deceased emperor and mother of the reigning emperor, often holding significant influence.
  • The empress dowager was a powerful figure behind the throne.
• "Empress consort": A title specifying the wife of a reigning emperor, distinguishing her from a female sovereign ruler.
  • As empress consort, her primary role was ceremonial.

Variants and Related Words

• Empire (n): A group of countries or regions under a single supreme authority.
  • The Roman Empire was vast.
• Imperial (adj): Relating to an empire or an emperor/empress.
  • The family lived in the imperial palace.
• Emperor (n): The male sovereign ruler of an empire.
  • The emperor addressed his troops.

Synonyms

• Female monarch: A woman who reigns over a monarchy.
• Sovereign: A supreme ruler, especially a monarch.

Related Phrases

• To be crowned empress: To formally be given the title and authority of an empress.
  • She was crowned empress in a lavish ceremony.
• Empress regnant: A woman who reigns in her own right over an empire, equivalent to a female emperor.
  • Historically, an empress regnant was a rare occurrence.

Noun

1. a woman emperor or the wife of an emperor