Shang

noun

ˈshäŋ

: a Chinese dynasty traditionally dated 1766–1122 b.c. and known especially for bronze work

Word History

Etymology

Chinese (Beijing) Shāng

First Known Use

1669, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of Shang was in 1669

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

shandygaff

Shang

Shangalla

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Shang.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Shang. Accessed 26 Nov. 2025.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

unabashed

Listen to the pronunciation of unabashed

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

31 Useful Rhetorical Devices

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

What’s the difference between ‘cemetery’ and ‘graveyard’?

Popular in Wordplay

Are you in a 'food coma'?

The Words of the Week - Nov. 21

17 Words for Dog Breeds

Words That Turned 100 in 2025

How 'Namaste' Entered The English Language

Popular

31 Useful Rhetorical Devices

Are you in a 'food coma'?

The Words of the Week - Nov. 21