Search Dictionary
Definition of hetian

hetian

/həˈtjɛn/
He · tian

JUMP TO:

hetian Lexical Profile

• noun

1

An oasis city located in the Tarim Basin in southwestern Xinjiang, China, historically significant as a major hub on the southern branch of the Silk Road.


2

An administrative prefecture in southwestern Xinjiang, China, encompassing the Kunlun Mountains, parts of the Taklamakan Desert, and the city of the same name.

Example

"The geographical landscape of Hetian poses significant challenges for modern agricultural development due to its arid climate."

Word Nuance & Usage

In historical and academic texts, the city is frequently referred to by its traditional and Uyghur names, Khotan or Hotan.

• Rhymes for hetian

Word Origin & Etymology

From Mandarin Chinese 和田 (Hétián), which serves as a phonetic approximation of the Uyghur name خوتەن (Hotän), ultimately deriving from the ancient kingdom of Khotan.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Hetian. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/hetian
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Dictionary & Reference
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.