Chinese wall

noun

: a strong barrier
especially : a serious obstacle to understanding

Examples of Chinese wall in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Chinese wall between health insurance and Macy’s didn’t last. — Timothy Noah, The New Republic, 25 Oct. 2022 Marx said that capitalism is itself a revolutionary idea that tears down all Chinese walls. — Dave Zirin, Rolling Stone, 17 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

Chinese Wall, a defensive wall built in the 3rd century b.c. between China and Mongolia

First Known Use

1756, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Chinese wall was in 1756

Rhymes for Chinese wall

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Browse Nearby Words

chinese violet
Chinese wall
Chinese watermelon
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chinese wall.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Chinese%20wall. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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