Middle Kingdom

noun

1. Also called Middle Empire. the period in the history of ancient Egypt, c2000–1785 b.c., comprising the 11th to 14th dynasties. Compare New Kingdom, Old Kingdom.
2. History/Historical.
   1. the 18 inner provinces of China, taken collectively.
   2. (loosely) China.
3. the Chinese Empire: originally so called from its supposed location in the center of the earth.

Middle Kingdom

noun

1. a period of Egyptian history extending from the late 11th to the 13th dynasty (?2040–?1670 bc )
2. 1. the former Chinese empire (from the belief that it lay at the centre of the earth)
   2. the original 18 provinces of China; China proper

Word History and Origins

Origin of Middle Kingdom¹

First recorded in 1655–65

Example Sentences

But the Middle Kingdom long ago started running up against the law of diminishing returns when it comes to endlessly increasing investment.

From Salon

In any case, no one knows, at least no one peering from the outside through the opaque glass of the Middle Kingdom.

From Slate

This diplomatic push positioning China as a key global powerbroker can trace its roots to the "rejuvenation of the Chinese nation", a long-held nationalist concept that sees the Middle Kingdom reclaiming its central position in the world.

From BBC

Freer thought this striking piece, meant to be carried in processions, was from the Middle Kingdom, about 3,800 to 4,000 years ago.

From Washington Post

Egypt has restored, documented and opened to tourists the Middle Kingdom tomb of Meru, the oldest site accessible to the public on Luxor's West Bank, home to some of its most spectacular Pharaonic monuments including the Valley of the Kings.

From Reuters