mekong: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low to medium (common in geography/regional contexts, rare in general conversation)Formal to neutral; primarily used in geographical, political, environmental, and travel contexts.
Quick answer
What does “mekong” mean?
The name of a major river in Southeast Asia.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The name of a major river in Southeast Asia.
A proper noun referring specifically to the Mekong River, its basin, the associated region, or related cultural/economic activities.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in usage. Both refer to the same geographical entity.
Connotations
Associated with Southeast Asia, development issues, biodiversity, and transboundary water management.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in general discourse in both varieties. Slightly higher frequency in UK media in contexts of international development/aid.
Grammar
How to Use “mekong” in a Sentence
[Proper Noun] (as subject/object of geographical verbs): The Mekong flows through six countries.[As Modifier + Noun]: Mekong fisheries are vital.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mekong” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Mekong region is experiencing rapid economic change.
- Mekong cooperation is essential for water security.
American English
- Mekong Delta agriculture is highly productive.
- The Mekong basin initiative involves multiple stakeholders.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to regional trade agreements, infrastructure projects, or investment in the Mekong subregion.
Academic
Used in geography, environmental studies, hydrology, and Southeast Asian studies.
Everyday
Most likely in travel planning or discussions about world geography.
Technical
Used in hydrology, dam construction, fisheries management, and climate impact studies on the river system.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mekong”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mekong”
- Incorrect capitalization ('mekong').
- Using an article ('the') before it when it stands alone as a proper noun (correct: 'We studied Mekong', not 'We studied the Mekong', though 'the Mekong River' is fine).
- Misspelling (e.g., 'Mekong', 'Mekong').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a proper noun and must always be capitalized.
Not when using 'Mekong' alone as the name (e.g., 'Mekong is long'). However, it is common and correct to say 'the Mekong River'.
China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
Yes, in a classifying sense (e.g., Mekong region, Mekong catfish). It functions as a noun modifier.
The name of a major river in Southeast Asia.
Mekong is usually formal to neutral; primarily used in geographical, political, environmental, and travel contexts. in register.
Mekong: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmeɪkɒŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmeɪkɑːŋ/ or /ˈmiːkɑːŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'MAY I go along the MEKONG?' - the 'May' sound starts the name.
Conceptual Metaphor
Often conceptualized as a LIFELINE or ARTERY for the region, providing sustenance, transport, and connection.
Practice
Quiz
What is the Mekong primarily?