Meiji
Americannoun
noun
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Japanese history the reign of Emperor Mutsuhito (1867–1912), during which Japan began a rapid process of Westernization, industrialization, and expansion in foreign affairs
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the throne name of Mutsuhito (ˌmuːtsʊˈhiːtəʊ). 1852–1912, emperor of Japan (1867–1912)
Etymology
Origin of Meiji
1870–75; < Japanese meiji, earlier meidi enlightened peace < Middle Chinese, equivalent to Chinese míng bright + zhì pacify
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Prof Yasushi Ogasawara, an expert on Japan's social system and technology at Meiji University, says there aren't enough tech-savvy people in the workforce.
From BBC ● Aug. 12, 2026
The authors are affiliated with one or more of the following institutions: Baylor College of Medicine, Louisiana State University, Nagoya University -- Japan and Meiji University -- Japan.
From Science Daily ● Mar. 25, 2026
Twice before in modern history—the Meiji Restoration in 1868 and again the long boom after World War II—Japan has achieved rapid transformations and almost-miraculous levels of growth.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 6, 2025
Considering the Meiji period was when the samurai became obsolete, the potential for social commentary mixed in with high-stakes combat seems pretty high.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 21, 2025
The period of Mutsuhito's reign, 1868-1912, is called Meiji; that of the present Emperor Taisho.
From The Foundations of Japan Notes Made During Journeys Of 6,000 Miles In The Rural Districts As A Basis For A Sounder Knowledge Of The Japanese People by J.W. Robertson Scott
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
