Search Dictionary
Definition of orkhon

orkhon

/ˈɔːrkɑːn/
Or · khon

JUMP TO:

orkhon Lexical Profile

• noun

1

A major river in Mongolia, the longest in the country, which originates in the Khangai Mountains and flows northwards to join the Selenge River.

Example

"The nomadic tribes traditionally watered their horses along the banks of the Orkhon during the harsh Mongolian summers."


2

A historical river valley in central Mongolia, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and celebrated as the cradle of several ancient nomadic empires.

Example

"Archaeologists have uncovered numerous ancient monuments throughout the Orkhon, detailing the rich history of the region."


3

An Old Turkic alphabet and runic script used in the 8th century, famously preserved on monumental steles discovered in the Orkhon Valley.

Example

"Scholars translated the ancient Orkhon inscriptions to better understand the political structure and culture of the early Turkic Khaganate."

Word Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Mongolian 'Orkhon' (Орхон), designating the longest river in Mongolia and its surrounding valley, which historically served as the center of several Eurasian nomadic empires.

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Orkhon. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 13, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/orkhon
Wordmom is your complete guide to the English language. Whether you're looking up a definition, searching for the perfect synonym, or unscrambling letters for a word game, our comprehensive suite of tools is designed to help you find the right word, every time.
Dictionary & Reference
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE®, Words With Friends®, Wordle®, and related game titles or tournament codes are registered trademarks of their respective owners (including Hasbro, Mattel, Zynga, The New York Times, NASPA, and WESPA). Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes, not affiliated with, sponsored, or endorsed by these entities. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use for compatibility.