Manchu

noun

Man·​chu ˈman-(ˌ)chü How to pronounce Manchu (audio)
man-ˈchü
plural Manchu or Manchus
1
: a member of an Indigenous people of Manchuria who conquered China and established a dynasty there in 1644
2
: the Tungusic language of the Manchu people
Manchu adjective

Word History

Etymology

ultimately from Manchu manju, a self-designation

First Known Use

1697, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Manchu was in 1697

Phrases Containing Manchu

Browse Nearby Words

manchineel
Manchu
Manchu cherry
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

Manchu

noun
Man·​chu ˈman-chü How to pronounce Manchu (audio)
man-ˈchü
1
: a member of an Indigenous people of Manchuria who conquered China and established a dynasty there in 1644
2
: the language of the Manchu people
Manchu adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on Manchu

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Manchu

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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