Hong Kong

or Hong·kong

[ hong kong ]

noun

1. a special administrative region of China, formerly a British colony, comprising Hong Kong Island (29 sq. mi.; 75 sq. km), the southern part of Kowloon peninsula, nearby islands, and the New Territories in adjacent mainland southeast China: reverted to Chinese sovereignty in 1997. 427 sq. mi. (1,106 sq. km).

Hong Kong

/ ˌhɒŋ ˈkɒŋ /

noun

1. a Special Administrative Region of China, in the south of the country, with some autonomy; formerly a British Crown Colony: consists of Hong Kong Island, leased by China to Britain from 1842 until 1997, Kowloon Peninsula, Stonecutters Island, the New Territories (mainland), leased by China in 1898 for a 99-year period, and over 230 small islands; important entrepôt trade and manufacturing centre, esp for textiles and other consumer goods; university (1912). It retains its own currency, the Hong Kong dollar. Administrative centre: Victoria. Pop: 7 182 724 (2013 est). Area: 1046 sq km (404 sq miles)
2. an island in Hong Kong region, south of Kowloon Peninsula: contains the capital, Victoria. Pop: 1 337 800 (2001). Area: 75 sq km (29 sq miles)

Hong Kong

1. Now a special administrative region of China ; formerly a British colony, located on the south coast of China on the South China Sea, part of the Pacific Ocean .

Notes

One of the world's leading commercial centers, Hong Kong is home to many international corporate offices and a world-famous tailoring industry. China has given assurances that it will maintain Hong Kong's capitalistic ( see capitalism ) and democratic ( see democracy ) institutions.

China ceded the island of Hong Kong to Britain in the nineteenth century. Hong Kong was returned to Chinese rule in 1997, when Britain's lease expired.

Other Words From

• Hong Konger Hongkongite noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of Hong Kong¹

First recorded in 1840–45; possibly from Chinese (Guangdong dialect) Hēung Góng “Fragrant Harbor, Incense Harbor” (the two syllables do not rhyme in Guangdong dialect)

Example Sentences

The new town movement spread from Europe to East Asia, such as to Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

From Science Daily

His hearing on Wednesday comes one day after the sentencing of 45 pro-democracy campaigners - part of a group known as the Hong Kong 47 - in the city’s largest trial under the national security law.

From BBC

Hong Kong jails pro-democracy activists as it pitches for global investment.

From New York Times

A Hong Kong court has sentenced key pro-democracy leaders to years in jail for subversion, following a controversial national security trial.

From BBC

On Tuesday a court will hand out jail sentences for some of Hong Kong's biggest pro-democracy icons, including Joshua Wong and Benny Tai, in a controversial national security case.

From BBC