empire Meaning, Definition & Usage

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

F., fr. L. imperium a command, sovereignty, dominion, empire, fr. imperare. See Emperor; cf. Imperial.

Supreme power; sovereignty; sway; dominion. "The empire of the sea." Shak.
Over hell extend His empire, and with iron scepter rule. Milton.
The dominion of an emperor; the territory or countries under the jurisdiction and dominion of an emperor (rarely of a king), usually of greater extent than a kingdom, always comprising a variety in the nationality of, or the forms of administration in, constituent and subordinate portions; as, the Austrian empire.
Empire carries with it the idea of a vast and complicated government. C. J. Smith.
Any dominion; supreme control; governing influence; rule; sway; as, the empire of mind or of reason. "Under the empire of facts." M. Arnold.
Another force which, in the Middle Ages, shared with chivalry the empire over the minds of men. A. W. Ward.
Syn. -- Sway; dominion; rule; control; reign; sovereignty; government; kingdom; realm; state.