Napoleon I

American  

noun

1. Napoleon Bonapartethe Little Corporal, 1769–1821, French general born in Corsica: emperor of France 1804–15.

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Napoleon I British  

/ nəˈpəʊlɪən /

noun

1. full name Napoleon Bonaparte. 1769–1821, Emperor of the French (1804–15). He came to power as the result of a coup in 1799 and established an extensive European empire. A brilliant general, he defeated every European coalition against him until, irreparably weakened by the Peninsular War and the Russian campaign (1812), his armies were defeated at Leipzig (1813). He went into exile but escaped and ruled as emperor during the Hundred Days. He was finally defeated at Waterloo (1815). As an administrator, his achievements were of lasting significance and include the Code Napoléon, which remains the basis of French law

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Example Sentences

But eight other items -- including an emerald-and-diamond necklace that Napoleon I gave his second wife, Empress Marie-Louise -- remain at large.

From Barron's • Jan. 19, 2026

It’s where Marie Antoinette’s death certificate was signed, Napoleon I and Josephine celebrated their coronation ball and the act abolishing slavery in France became law.

From New York Times • Jun. 23, 2021

In an interview with BuzzFeed, Fox said of Trump: “I understood Hitler, I understood Napoleon, I understand a lot of very violent ones. This one I don’t understand.”

From The Guardian • Jan. 26, 2017

In July 2015, an imperial black felt bicorn campaign hat belonging to French Emperor Napoleon I was sold.

From BBC • Dec. 5, 2016

The Detention of Napoleon I. The question is frequently discussed whether the detention of Napoleon I at St Helena was or was not in accordance with international law.

From International Incidents for Discussion in Conversation Classes by Oppenheim, L. (Lassa)