empire

word

/ˈɛmpaɪɝ/
EM-pyr
/ˈɛmpaɪə/
EM-py-uh

Definition

A large group of countries or territories ruled by one powerful state or leader. It can also mean a very large and powerful business, organization, or area of influence.

Usage & Nuances

Often used in history for political power, as in 'the Roman Empire' or 'the British Empire'. It is also common in modern figurative use: 'a business empire' means a huge commercial network. Stronger and larger than 'kingdom'; often suggests control over many different regions or peoples.

Example Sentences

The Roman Empire was very large.

basic

The king wanted to build an empire.

basic

What started as a side project grew into a media empire.

natural

She created a business empire from a small shop.

basic

He spent years trying to turn the company into a global empire.

natural

People still debate how that empire fell so quickly.

natural