SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus
view recents

kylin

noun
Save Word
ky·​lin | \ ˈkēˈlin \
plural -s

Definition of kylin

: a unicorn of Chinese myth depicted with the tail of an ox and the legs and body of a deer — see fêng huang

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for kylin

modification of Chinese (Pekingese) ch'i2 lin2, from ch'i2 male kylin + lin2 female kylin

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about kylin

Statistics for kylin

Cite this Entry

“Kylin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kylin. Accessed 22 Jan. 2021.

Comments on kylin

What made you want to look up kylin? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

sarcophagus

Listen to the pronunciation of sarcophagus

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Slippery Words Quiz—Changing with the Times

  • ducreux self portrait yawning
  • What is an earlier meaning of nice?
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Universal Daily Crossword

A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games