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Definition of shogunate

shogunate

/ˈʃoʊɡənət/
sho · gun · ate
Plural:shogunates
•
Adjective:shogunal
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shogunate Lexical Profile

shogunate Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The hereditary military government or administration of a shogun in feudal Japan, or the historical period during which such a regime held power.

Example

"During the Tokugawa shogunate, Japan maintained a strict policy of national isolation for over two centuries."

2

The office, rank, or dignity of a shogun.

Example

"Succession to the shogunate often sparked fierce political rivalries among the leading samurai clans."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for shogunate

• Nearby Words

shoestring
shoetree
shogun
shogunate
shoo
shoot
shootaround

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the mid-19th century by combining 'shogun' (from Japanese shōgun, meaning 'commander-in-chief') with the English suffix '-ate', denoting an office, jurisdiction, or system of rule.

Cite this Entry

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