English Lexicon

Mikado

/mɪˈkɑː.doʊ/
nounCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #15000 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    The title of the emperor of Japan, especially before the Meiji Restoration.

    "The Mikado was considered the spiritual leader of the Japanese people."
  2. 2

    A term used in Western contexts to refer to the Japanese emperor.

    "In the opera, the Mikado ruled over a fictional Japanese kingdom."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

The term 'Mikado' originates from the Japanese word '御門' (mikado), meaning 'honorable gate.' Historically, it referred to the emperor of Japan, particularly during the Heian period, when the emperor was seen as a divine figure and the highest authority in the land.

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