yamen

noun

ya·​men ˈyä-mən How to pronounce yamen (audio)
: the headquarters or residence of a Chinese government official or department

Word History

Etymology

Chinese (Beijing) yámen

First Known Use

1747, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of yamen was in 1747

Dictionary Entries Near yamen

Cite this Entry

“Yamen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/yamen. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

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