Nian

noun

Ni·an nē-ˈen

: monster in Chinese folklore that was scared off by villagers with drums and fireworks which developed into the traditional celebration of Chinese New Year

Word History

Etymology

Chinese nían shòu, from nían "year" + shòu "beast"

First Known Use

1994, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of Nian was in 1994

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Niamey

Nian

niaouli

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Nian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Nian. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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Nian

noun

Word History

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