noun
Common
khan
kahn
Khan (noun) means a historical title for a ruler or nobleman among Turkic and Mongol peoples, most famously Genghis Khan. Example: “According to the story, the khan rode out at dawn with his horsemen.”
noun
1
A historical title for a ruler or nobleman among Turkic and Mongol peoples, most famously Genghis Khan.
"According to the story, the khan rode out at dawn with his horsemen."
"The museum displays a robe once worn by a powerful khan."
"The khan united several nomadic tribes under his rule."
2
A title of respect used for men of rank in parts of Central and South Asia, now also a common surname.
"The guide greeted the elder politely, addressing him as Khan out of respect."
"Khan is a common surname, and several of my classmates share it."
"His full name includes the honorific "Khan"."
How to use khan
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA historical title meaning "ruler" or "lord" used across Central Asia and the Mongol Empire, and today a very common surname.
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Word forms
- Plural
- khans
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
According to the story, the _____ rode out at dawn with his horsemen.
Etymology
From Turkic and Mongolic titles meaning "ruler" or "lord", most famously associated with Genghis Khan, founder of the Mongol Empire.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for khan
See all rhymes for khan →Frequently asked questions
What does “khan” mean?
The word “khan” means a historical title for a ruler or nobleman among Turkic and Mongol peoples, most famously Genghis Khan. In plain terms, a historical title meaning "ruler" or "lord" used across Central Asia and the Mongol Empire, and today a very common surname.
How do you pronounce “khan”?
“Khan” is pronounced kahn (/kɑːn/ in IPA).
How do you use “khan” in a sentence?
Here is “khan” used in a sentence: “The khan united several nomadic tribes under his rule.”
What is another word for “khan”?
Words with a similar meaning to “khan” include khakan.
What part of speech is “khan”?
“Khan” is a noun.
Is “khan” a common word?
“Khan” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “khan” have?
“Khan” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a historical title for a ruler or nobleman among Turkic and Mongol peoples, most famously Genghis Khan.
What is the difference between a "khan" and a "king" or "emperor"?
"Khan" is a historical title for a ruler or nobleman among Turkic and Mongol peoples, most famously Genghis Khan. Unlike "king" or "emperor," which come from European tradition, "khan" belongs to Central Asian and Mongol history, though a great khan could rule a vast empire comparable to an emperor's.
Is "Khan" a first name or a surname?
"Khan" was originally a title of rank rather than a personal name. Over time it became a title of respect for men in parts of Central and South Asia, and today it is also a very common surname.
What does the title "Khan" signify?
Historically, "Khan" marked a ruler or nobleman among Turkic and Mongol peoples. In parts of Central and South Asia it later became a title of respect for men of rank, and it now also functions as a widespread surname.
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