hong

hong · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    (Historical) A row of warehouses or factories in a Chinese port, especially those occupied by foreign merchants.

  2. 2.

    A large commercial firm or trading company, especially one based in China or Hong Kong.

Forms

plural: hongs

Related words

See also: factory, trading, warehouse
Synonyms: mercantile firm, trading house

Etymology

From Cantonese hong (行), meaning "row" or "business establishment," from Mandarin háng ("row, line, profession"). Entered English in the 18th century during the period of European-Chinese trade.