shogun

noun

sho·​gun ˈshō-gən How to pronounce shogun (audio)
: one of a line of military governors ruling Japan until the revolution of 1867–68
shogunal adjective
shogunate noun

Examples of shogun in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The remains were reportedly found by Yoshinori Ashikaga, a 15th-century shogun, in 1429. Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 27 May 2025 That changed after the shoguns began to see Christianity as a threat. Foster Klug, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2025 The shogun was visiting the Todai-ji temple in Nara at the time. Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 27 May 2025 Shogun On Location: HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO, A Luxury Collection Hotel & Spa One of Japan’s most recognizable castles, Kyoto’s Nijo was the home of real-life shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. Forbes Travel Guide, Forbes, 14 Sep. 2024 See All Example Sentences for shogun

Word History

Etymology

Japanese shōgun

First Known Use

1727, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of shogun was in 1727

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Cite this Entry

“Shogun.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shogun. Accessed 28 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

shogun

noun
sho·​gun ˈshō-gən How to pronounce shogun (audio)
: any of a line of military governors ruling Japan until the revolution of 1867–68
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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