Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

cipango

noun

/sɪˈpæŋ.ɡoʊ/

Definition

An ancient name for Japan used in European maps and literature.

Examples

Marco Polo famously mentioned cipango in his travels, describing its riches and gold.
The mapmaker labeled the island as cipango, reflecting the knowledge of the time.

Meaning

Cipango refers to Japan as it was known in medieval Europe, especially in the accounts of Marco Polo, who described it as a land of great wealth and resources.