khan

1 of 2

noun (1)

ˈkän 

also

ˈkan 

1

: a medieval sovereign of China and ruler over the Turkish, Tatar, and Mongol tribes

2

: a local chieftain or man of rank in some countries of central Asia

khan

2 of 2

noun (2)

: a caravansary or rest house in some Asian countries

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Middle English caan, from Middle French kan, kaan, of Turkic origin; akin to Turkish han prince

Noun (2)

Arabic khān

First Known Use

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1614, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

khan

noun

ˈkän,

ˈkan

1

: a Mongolian leader

2

: a local chieftain or man of rank in some countries of central Asia