WordGarden.ioempire
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /ˈɛmpaɪə/
US
- /ˈɛmpaɪər/
Meanings
Noun
a large state or group of territories ruled by one authority
a large business or group of businesses controlled by one person or organization
a sphere of control, influence, or activity built by someone
Adjective
relating to an early nineteenth-century design or fashion style, especially a high waistline
Beyond the definition
An empire is not just a big country; it is a group of different lands or peoples controlled by one ruler or government. Think of ancient Rome, with its reach across Europe and North Africa. That was an empire. The word suggests power, influence, and often growth. You might also say someone has built a "business empire" if they own many successful companies.
The word comes from the Latin "imperium," meaning "command." Empires are not always built by war; sometimes they grow through trade or cultural influence. The British Empire once stretched across much of the world, and even today we talk about tech giants building digital empires. It can also be used in a figurative way to describe a strong force in a field, such as "the empire of fashion."
An empire is a large political unit—usually a state or country—that rules over many different territories and peoples, often acquired through conquest or colonization. Historically, empires like the Roman Empire, the Mongol Empire, and the Ottoman Empire were characterized by centralized power, extensive military control, and economic dominance. They weren't just about size; they represented a system of governance that extended far beyond a single nation's borders.
However, "empire" isn't limited to historical contexts. Today, we often use it metaphorically. A "media empire" refers to a large collection of media companies under one ownership. A successful entrepreneur might build a "financial empire." These usages emphasize control and influence within a specific domain rather than territorial expansion.
The concept of an empire also carries connotations of power dynamics, cultural imposition, and sometimes exploitation. The legacy of historical empires is often complex, marked by both advancements and injustices.
Interestingly, the word "empire" can even refer to a style or aesthetic. "Empire waist" dresses, for example, are characterized by a high waistline just below the bust—a fashion trend popularized during Napoleon's French Empire.
So whether you're studying ancient history, looking at modern business, or admiring a vintage dress, "empire" brings to mind power, control, and wide influence, both literal and figurative.
Examples
- 1
Historical power
At its height, the British Empire ruled over millions of people around the world.
- 2
Conquest
Many smaller states were gradually absorbed into the empire.
- 3
Rise and fall
Historians still debate why some empires expand so quickly and then collapse.
- 4
Business success
He built a real estate empire from a single family business.
- Phrasebuild an empire
create a very large, successful business
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Media business
She turned one fashion blog into a media empire.
- 6
Tech criticism
Critics say the company is trying to create a digital empire that controls every part of online shopping.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- imperial state
Contrast
- colony
- nation-state
Used with (collocations)
- build an empire
- fall of an empire
- colonial empire
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- empirenoun