khan

1
[ kahn, kan ]
/ kɑn, kæn /

noun

(in the Altaic group of languages) a title held by hereditary rulers or tribal chiefs.
the supreme ruler of the Tatar tribes, as well as emperor of China, during the Middle Ages: a descendant of Genghis Khan.
a title of respect used in Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and other countries of Asia.

Origin of khan

1
1350–1400; Middle English Ca(a)n, Chan ≪ Turkic Khān, apparently contraction of Khāgān, equivalent to Turkish kağan ruler

Definition for khan (2 of 2)

khan 2
[ kahn, kan ]
/ kɑn, kæn /

noun

an inn or caravansary.

Origin of khan

2
1350–1400; < Arabic < Persian; replacing Middle English alchan < Arabic ( al the + khān)

Example sentences from the Web for khan

British Dictionary definitions for khan (1 of 3)

khan 1
/ (kɑːn) /

noun

  1. (formerly) a title borne by medieval Chinese emperors and Mongol and Turkic rulers: usually added to a nameKublai Khan
  2. such a ruler
a title of respect borne by important personages in Afghanistan and central Asia

Word Origin for khan

C14: from Old French caan, from Medieval Latin caanus, from Turkish khān, contraction of khāqān ruler

British Dictionary definitions for khan (2 of 3)

khan 2
/ (kɑːn) /

noun

an inn in Turkey, certain Arab countries, etc; caravanserai

Word Origin for khan

C14: via Arabic from Persian

British Dictionary definitions for khan (3 of 3)

Khan
/ (kɑːn) /

noun