Games

Word of the Day

Video

Blog: Words at Play

My Faves

Dictionary

emperor

noun em·per·or \ˈem-pər-ər, -prər\

: a man who rules an empire

Full Definition of EMPEROR

: the sovereign or supreme male monarch of an empire

— em·per·or·ship \-ˌship\ noun

See emperor defined for English-language learners

See emperor defined for kids

Origin of EMPEROR

Middle English, from Anglo-French emperur, from Latin imperator, literally, commander, from imperare to command, from in- + parare to prepare, order — more at pare

First Known Use: 13th century

Other Government and Politics Terms

agent provocateur, agitprop, autarky, cabal, egalitarianism, federalism, hegemony, plenipotentiary, popular sovereignty, socialism

Rhymes with EMPEROR

Klemperer, temperer

EMPEROR Defined for Kids

emperor

noun em·per·or \ˈem-pər-ər\

Definition of EMPEROR for Kids

: a man who rules an empire

Learn More About EMPEROR

Spanish Central: Spanish translation of "emperor"

Nglish: Translation of "emperor" for Spanish speakers

Britannica English: Translation of "emperor" for Arabic speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about "emperor"

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: emperor boaPrevious Word in the Dictionary: empeopleAll Words Near: emperor

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up emperor? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

View Seen & Heard Highlights from Around the Site

Test Your Vocabulary!

10 Charming Words for Nasty People

Put-downs with flair

Learn More

When "Literally" isn't, well, literal

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Watch Now

Know what this is?

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Go Play

Fear of cats?

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears

Learn More