SINCE 1828
Chinese
noun
Chi·nese
| \ chī-ˈnēz
, -ˈnēs
\
, -ˈnēs
\
plural Chinese
Definition of Chinese
1a
: a native or inhabitant of China
b
: a person of Chinese descent
2
: a group of related languages used by the people of China that are often mutually unintelligible in their spoken form but share a single system of writing and that constitute a branch of the Sino-Tibetan language family
especially
: mandarin
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for Chinese
Chinese
noun
English Language Learners Definition of Chinese
: the people of China : Chinese people
: any one of a group of closely related languages that are spoken in China
See the full definition for Chinese in the English Language Learners Dictionary
Chinese
adjective
Chi·nese
| \ chī-ˈnēz
\
\
Kids Definition of Chinese
(Entry 1 of 2)
: of or relating to China, the Chinese people, or the languages of China
Chinese
noun
plural Chinese
Kids Definition of Chinese (Entry 2 of 2)
1
: a person born or living in China
2
: a group of related languages used in China
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on Chinese
What made you want to look up Chinese? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Original Meanings Quiz
-
- Which of the following is the earliest known sense of the word awe?
Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
-
Original Meanings Quiz
A quiz for the pedantic and those annoyed by them!
Take the quiz -
A Green Quiz
How many questions can you answer about the word "green"?
Take the quiz -
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?
Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!
Take the quiz -
SCRABBLE® Sprint
SCRABBLE® fans, sharpen your skills!
Play the game
Share Chinese
Resources for Chinese