imperator

noun

im·​pe·​ra·​tor ˌim-pə-ˈrä-tər How to pronounce imperator (audio)
-ˌtȯr
: a commander in chief or emperor of the ancient Romans
imperatorial adjective

Examples of imperator in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Prior to Taylor-Joy, 27, taking over the title role of Furiosa, Charlize Theron starred as the imperator in the Oscar-winning 2015 action adventure film, Mad Max: Fury Road, alongside Tom Hardy and Nicholas Hoult. Brendan Le, Peoplemag, 10 Mar. 2024 In early 2022, a study controversially suggested the T. rex was actually three different species: T. rex, T. regina and T. imperator. Christian Thorsberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Jan. 2024 It's also hotly debated that the T. rex had come from three different species – T. imperator, T. rex, and the smaller-boned T. regina. Matt Hrodey, Discover Magazine, 1 June 2023 Some of these early pterosaurs also may have had feathers, as the Tupandactylus imperator fossils found in Brazil revealed. Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 14 July 2022 This research suggested that T. rex should have two sibling species -- a more slender Tyrannosaurus regina (tyrant lizard queen) and the stouter and toothier Tyrannosaurus imperator (tyrant lizard emperor). Katie Hunt, CNN, 25 July 2022 By the time of the T. imperator’s death, pterosaurs and dinosaurs had evolved separately for nearly 140 million years. Gabe Allen, Discover Magazine, 31 May 2022 Citing features of the skull, the paper proposed that paleontologists have actually discovered two other Tyrannosaurus species in addition to rex—named T. regina and T. imperator. Riley Black, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Dec. 2022 Cincotta’s research indicates that T. imperator’s large headrest was also colorful. Gabe Allen, Discover Magazine, 31 May 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'imperator.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin imperātor "person giving orders, commanding officer, title of honor bestowed on a victorious general by his troops, title conferred by the Roman senate on Julius Caesar and Augustus and adopted by later successors" — more at emperor

First Known Use

1590, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of imperator was in 1590

Dictionary Entries Near imperator

Cite this Entry

“Imperator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/imperator. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

imperator

noun
im·​pe·​ra·​tor ˌim-pə-ˈrät-ər How to pronounce imperator (audio)
-ˈrä-ˌtȯ(ə)r
: a commander in chief or emperor of the ancient Romans

More from Merriam-Webster on imperator

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