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

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Salon

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

From Slate

This diplomatic push positioning China as a key global powerbroker can trace its roots to the "rejuvenation of the Chinese nation", a long-held nationalist concept that sees the Middle Kingdom reclaiming its central position in the world.

From BBC