Search Dictionary
Definition of shinano

shinano

/ʃɪˈnɑːnoʊ/
shi · na · no

JUMP TO:

shinano Lexical Profile

• noun

1

The longest and widest river in Japan, flowing from the Japanese Alps in Honshu northeastward to empty into the Sea of Japan at Niigata.


2

An ancient, landlocked province of Japan located in central Honshu, corresponding geographically to modern-day Nagano Prefecture.

Example

"During the Sengoku period, warlords frequently battled for control over the strategically important mountainous terrain of Shinano."


3

A massive World War II Japanese aircraft carrier, originally designed as a Yamato-class super battleship, famously sunk by an American submarine shortly after its secret launch.

Example

"Despite its immense armored flight deck, the Shinano was tragically lost on its maiden voyage before seeing actual combat."

• Rhymes for shinano

Word Origin & Etymology

From Japanese 信濃 (Shinano), originally the name of an ancient province in central Honshu, which subsequently lent its name to Japan's longest river and a famous World War II naval vessel.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Shinano. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/shinano
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.