empress
UK: ˈɛmprɪs | US: ˈɛmprəs
n. a female ruler of an empire
n. the wife or widow of an emperor
empress = emper<rule> + ess<feminine suffix>
- emper (from Latin imperare, meaning "to rule" or "command")
- ess (a suffix of Old French origin, used to denote female gender, e.g., "actress," "lioness")
Etymology Origin:
The word "empress" evolved from the Latin imperatrix (female ruler), derived from imperare ("to command"). It entered English via Old French emperesse, retaining the core idea of female sovereignty. The suffix -ess was later standardized in English to feminize titles (e.g., "prince" → "princess"). The term reflects historical hierarchies where male titles (emperor) were modified to designate female counterparts.
The empress ruled her vast empire with wisdom and strength.
As the emperor's widow, she was honored as empress dowager.
The coronation ceremony celebrated the new empress.
Legends tell of an empress who led armies into battle.
The empress sponsored arts and education during her reign.