Mongol

[ mong-guhl, -gohl, mon- ]

noun

1. a member of a pastoral people now living chiefly in Mongolia.
2. Anthropology. (no longer in technical use) a person having Mongoloid characteristics.
3. any Mongolian language.
4. (often lowercase) Pathology. (no longer in technical use; now considered offensive) a person affected with Down syndrome.

adjective

1. Mongolian.

Mongol

¹

/ ˈmɒŋɡɒl; -ɡəl /

noun

1. a native or inhabitant of Mongolia, esp a nomad
2. the Mongolian language

mongol

²

/ ˈmɒŋɡəl /

noun

1. a formerly used and now highly offensive name for a person affected by Down's syndrome

Other Words From

• non-Mongol noun adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Mongol¹

First recorded in 1610–20; from French mongal, ultimately from Mongolian Mongol, possibly from mong “brave”

Example Sentences

Apparently, the civilian pukes in Washington lacked the general’s gung-ho confidence that with just a little more door-kicking and pyrotechnics, Afghanistan would be pacified — something that hadn’t happened since the Mongol invasions.

From Salon

“Otherwise, a Mongol archer would be much more valuable than the minor killing lines. He’s lowered his prices so he can get more practice.”

From Literature

The probe into the motorcycle clubs began last year following acts of violence stemming from a dispute between dozens of rival Hells Angels, Salida Nomads and Mongol members, according to the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department.

From Los Angeles Times

Marco Polo was born in Venice to a merchant family in 1254 and he died here in 1324 after a quarter-century exploring the Silk Road and serving the Mongol Court.

From Seattle Times

The chart extends from the islands of the North Atlantic Ocean to the Mongol empire’s Golden Horde in what is now Eastern Europe.

From Los Angeles Times