Definition of "empire" in English

noun

1. A political state, often a monarchy, that has achieved a much greater current size than its initial size by conquering surrounding territories, cities or nations.

   • the Russian empire

2. A political unit ruled by an emperor or empress.

   • The Empire of Vietnam was a short-lived client state of Japan governing Vietnam between March 11 and August 23, 1945.

3. The group of states or other territories that owe allegiance to an imperial power (foreign to them), when distinguished from the native territory of that power; imperial possessions.

4. An expansive and powerful enterprise under the control of one person or group.

   • the McDonald's fast food empire

5. (Absolute) control, dominion, sway.

adjective

1. Alternative letter-case form of Empire.