Napoleonic

American  

[nuh-poh-lee-on-ik] / nəˌpoʊ liˈɒn ɪk /

adjective

1. pertaining to, resembling, or suggestive of Napoleon I, or, less often, Napoleon III, or their dynasty.

   the Napoleonic era; a Napoleonic attitude toward one's employees.

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Napoleonic British  

/ nəˌpəʊlɪˈɒnɪk /

adjective

1. relating to or characteristic of Napoleon I or his era

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Other Word Forms

• Napoleonically adverb
• post-Napoleonic adjective
• pre-Napoleonic adjective

Etymology

Origin of Napoleonic

First recorded in 1860–65; Napoleon + -ic

Example Sentences

But it was quickly placed in the storeroom and was for a long time "unknown to all specialists and enthusiasts of the Napoleonic era," said Deldicque.

From Barron's • Mar. 26, 2026

His war aims run athwart the Napoleonic dictum: If you set out to take Vienna, take Vienna.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

The war here is the Napoleonic War with France.

From Slate • Jul. 21, 2025

The dish was born of French influence, tweaked during the Napoleonic invasion with water in place of milk and olive oil instead of butter.

From Salon • May 23, 2025

Being so close to mainland Europe—a short sail to France—it had been a point of embarkation for British troops during the Napoleonic wars earlier in the century.

From "Charles and Emma: The Darwins' Leap of Faith" by Deborah Heiligman