Middle Kingdom

American  

noun

1. Also called Middle Empire.  the period in the history of ancient Egypt, c2000–1785 b.c., comprising the 11th to 14th dynasties.

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.

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Middle Kingdom British  

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

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Etymology

Origin of Middle Kingdom

First recorded in 1655–65

Example Sentences

That included $41.5 million from China, proving that Hollywood movies can still do well in the Middle Kingdom despite the dominance of local production in the populous country.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 6, 2025

Two decades ago, Hollywood studios viewed the so-called Middle Kingdom as a vast market to exploit.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2025

But the Middle Kingdom long ago started running up against the law of diminishing returns when it comes to endlessly increasing investment.

From Salon • Jul. 30, 2023

In any case, no one knows, at least no one peering from the outside through the opaque glass of the Middle Kingdom.

From Slate • Jul. 25, 2023

It looked much like the streets in Canton, the city in the Middle Kingdom from which I had sailed.

From "Dragonwings" by Laurence Yep