noun

empress

A woman who rules an empire.

The empress sits confidently on the throne of her empire.

A Black empress seated confidently on an elegant historical throne, rich restrained robes, dignified authority.

Etymology

The French ancestor is the feminine title corresponding to emperor. Applied to a sovereign, empress identifies a woman who holds imperial authority herself.

In context

Chronicle - Medieval History Documentaries41:30

an empress, the Spanish Empress Yuenia de Montiko, married to Napoleon III, Emperor and last king of [music] France.

Inside Spain's Perfectly-Preserved Medieval Fortresses

More examples

The empress issued a new decree.
Several empresses appear in the history chapter.
The portrait shows the reigning empress.

Forms

empress · empresses

Similar words

sovereign: Sovereign does not specify gender or empire.
queen: A queen rules a kingdom rather than necessarily an empire.