English Reference
adjective · noun

imperial

adj. · n.
US /ˌɪmˈpɪɹiəɫ/ UK /ɪmpˈiəɹɪəl/ im·pe·ri·al UK spelling imperials

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.relating to an empire, an emperor, or an empress.

    adj.pertaining to an empire or the person who rules it.

    Simple

    The city is famous for its grand imperial palaces and beautiful gardens.

    In context

    Historians often debate the long-term economic consequences of imperial expansion during the nineteenth century.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate British English

    adj.relating to the system of measurement that uses inches, feet, and pounds.

    adj.relating to the British imperial system of weights and measures, as opposed to the metric system.

    Simple

    The recipe uses imperial measurements like ounces instead of grams.

    In context

    Although the UK officially adopted the metric system, many citizens still prefer imperial units for height and weight.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Literary

    adj.very grand, impressive, or of high quality.

    adj.possessing a majestic or magnificent character; of superior size or excellence.

    Simple

    The hotel lobby was decorated in an imperial style with gold and marble.

    In context

    The conductor led the orchestra with an imperial grace that commanded the absolute attention of every musician in the hall.

  4. 04 C2 Proficiency Archaic

    n.a small pointed beard grown only on the lower lip.

    n.a small tuft of hair grown on the lower lip, popularized by Napoleon III.

    Simple

    The gentleman in the old photograph wore a neatly trimmed imperial.

    In context

    The portrait depicts the count with a distinctive imperial, a fashion choice that signaled his loyalty to the emperor's court.

  5. 05 C2 Proficiency Technical

    n.a very large bottle of wine that holds about six liters.

    n.a large Bordeaux wine bottle with a capacity of approximately six liters, equivalent to eight standard bottles.

    Simple

    They opened an imperial of red wine to celebrate the wedding.

    In context

    The auction house featured a rare imperial of 1982 vintage, attracting significant interest from serious collectors.

  6. 06 C2 Proficiency Technical Technical

    n.a specific large size of paper used for printing or writing.

    n.a standard size of writing paper (30 x 22 inches) or printing paper (32 x 22 inches).

    Simple

    The artist requested a sheet of imperial paper for the large charcoal drawing.

    In context

    The technical specifications for the map required it to be printed on imperial stock to ensure all details remained legible.

A neighborhood beyond the Tiber became home to generations of Jewish and Syrian migrants who reshaped the imperial capital.

JSTOR Daily· 17 Aug 2026

In the decades since then, Japan has largely adopted a pacifist stance that disavows its imperial past.

The Conversation· 11 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated