# Kaiser

/ˈkaɪzɝ/ (US) · /kˈaɪzɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/kaiser
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. historical emperor

noun · CEFR B2

the title used for the emperors of Germany or Austria until the early 20th century.

For teachers: the title of the sovereign of the German Empire or the Austrian Empire, derived from the Latin 'Caesar'.

- The last Kaiser of Germany left the country after the first World War.
- Historians often debate the role of Kaiser Wilhelm II in the diplomatic failures that preceded the outbreak of the Great War.

### 2. bread roll

noun · CEFR C1 · American English

a round, crusty bread roll with a pattern on top that looks like a star.

For teachers: a round, crusty yeast roll with a characteristic five-segment pinwheel pattern on the top surface.

- I bought a fresh kaiser roll from the bakery to make a sandwich.
- The deli served the roast beef on a toasted kaiser roll, which held the juices better than standard sliced bread.

Usage: Often used in the compound 'kaiser roll'.

### 3. autocrat

noun · CEFR C2 · Literary · Formal

a person who has total power and acts like a king or emperor.

For teachers: an absolute ruler or autocrat; used figuratively to describe someone who exercises total authority.

- The office manager acted like a kaiser, making every small decision himself.
- The CEO was viewed as a corporate kaiser who brooked no dissent from his board of directors.

## Examples

- The Kaiser ruled the country for many years.
- History books often discuss the Kaiser's role in starting the First World War.
- The abdication of the Kaiser marked the end of the imperial era and the beginning of the Weimar Republic.

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