Middle Kingdom

noun

1. Also called Middle Empire. the period in the history of ancient Egypt, c2000–1785 b.c., comprising the 11th to 14th dynasties. Compare New Kingdom, Old Kingdom.
2. History/Historical.
   1. the 18 inner provinces of China, taken collectively.
   2. (loosely) China.
3. the Chinese Empire: originally so called from its supposed location in the center of the earth.

Middle Kingdom

noun

1. a period of Egyptian history extending from the late 11th to the 13th dynasty (?2040–?1670 bc )
2. 1. the former Chinese empire (from the belief that it lay at the centre of the earth)
   2. the original 18 provinces of China; China proper

Word History and Origins

Origin of Middle Kingdom¹

First recorded in 1655–65

Example Sentences

Such a trip to the Middle Kingdom could well have ended in a geopolitical and political fiasco.

From The Daily Beast

Before September 11, 2001, the Weekly Standard crowd had been all set to make the Middle Kingdom the next evil empire.

From The Daily Beast

A middle position for the Middle Kingdom is the correct stance, this commentator concludes.

From The Daily Beast

But this middle kingdom does not lie in the sphere of practical life and conduct.

From Project Gutenberg

A thousand years was taken off by one discoverer recently from the age of the middle kingdom.

From Project Gutenberg

The pendulum of pulsation in the Middle Kingdom long since came to a stop at the medial point of rest.

From Project Gutenberg

Stags are used here as cattle are used in the Middle Kingdom, and from the milk of the hind they make butter.

From Project Gutenberg

My original intention had been to take the Middle Kingdom in hand and do something with it.

From Project Gutenberg