noun
khan
kahn
noun
1
A historical title for a ruler or nobleman among Turkic and Mongol peoples, most famously Genghis 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.
"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.
Word Forms
khans plural, khans plural
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Etymology
From Turkic and Mongolic titles meaning "ruler" or "lord", most famously associated with Genghis Khan, founder of the Mongol Empire.