khan

¹

Archaic, cham

[kahn, kan]

noun

1. (in the Altaic group of languages) a title held by hereditary rulers or tribal chiefs.

2. the supreme ruler of the Tatar tribes, as well as emperor of China, during the Middle Ages: a descendant of Genghis Khan.

3. a title of respect used in Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and other countries of Asia.

khan

²

[kahn, kan]

noun

1. an inn or caravansary.

khan

¹

/ kɑːn /

noun

1. 1. (formerly) a title borne by medieval Chinese emperors and Mongol and Turkic rulers: usually added to a name

      Kublai Khan

   2. such a ruler

2. a title of respect borne by important personages in Afghanistan and central Asia

Khan

²

/ kɑːn /

noun

1. See Imran Khan

khan

³

/ kɑːn /

noun

1. an inn in Turkey, certain Arab countries, etc; caravanserai

Word History and Origins

Origin of khan¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English Ca(a)n, Chan, ultimately from Turkic Khān, apparently contraction of Khāgān, equivalent to Turkish kağan “ruler”

Origin of khan²

1350–1400; < Arabic < Persian; replacing Middle English alchan < Arabic ( al the + khān )

Word History and Origins

Origin of khan¹

C14: from Old French caan, from Medieval Latin caanus, from Turkish khān, contraction of khāqān ruler

Origin of khan²

C14: via Arabic from Persian

Example Sentences

He claimed he was once a wealthy son of a khan who purchased dreams.

From Literature

A stew of chickpea, lamb, crispy shallots, and fried mint was the khan’s favorite.

From Literature

London Mayor Sadiq khan said he was “heartbroken” by the news.

From Seattle Times

In the statue, the first large-scale rendition in the U.S. of the sacred figure, Mary is depicted standing on a cloud, wearing a traditional Vietnamese ao dai dress and khan dong hat.

From Los Angeles Times

Costumes that reflected cultural diversity/inclusion — patrons kitted out as Nubian kings or queens, Mongol khans or princesses.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• czar 
• emperor 
• king 
• monarch 
• shah 
• sultan