: daughter of Yudi and "weaver girl" in Chinese folklore who fell in love with a cowherd, Niulang, and because their love was forbidden was banished to the opposite side of the Milky Way from him

Word History

Etymology

Chinese Zhīnǚ, from zhī "weave" + ̌ "woman, girl"

First Known Use

2001, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Zhinu was in 2001

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Zhinu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Zhinu. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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