empire building

American  

noun

1. the plans, activities, achievements, etc., of an empire builder.

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Etymology

Origin of empire building

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

The ingots date back almost 2,000 years to AD87, based on lettering written on the objects, which refers to the Emperor Domitian, who was known for his empire building, including expansion in Britain.

From BBC • Feb. 25, 2026

One reason the Monroe doctrine and empire building went out of fashion was that colonies and client states wanted out.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 5, 2026

Yes, there had always been daytime game shows, but after “American Idol” and “Survivor” became prime-time hits and the Kardashians began their empire building, the reality craze spread like kudzu through broadcast and cable.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 11, 2025

It was a kind of careless cheerfulness that would make Pollyanna blush, but it was certainly in step with an age of empire building and confidence.

From Washington Post • Jul. 16, 2020

Here, then, was the lord of Moctezuma, an hacendado, and hence one of the heavy timbers for his empire building.

From The Missourian by Lyle, Eugene P. (Eugene Percy)