the West; Western Ocean (historic)
Meanings
2 senses · 5 examplesnoun
the West; Western countries; Europe and America
In modern usage, refers primarily to Europe and North America, often contrasting with Eastern cultures. Commonly used in compound words describing Western culture, arts, and people.
I enjoy listening to Western classical music.
He is studying Western painting at the fine arts academy.
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This restaurant mainly specializes in Western cuisine.
noun
the Western Ocean; historical term for maritime Southeast Asia, South Asia, Arabia, and East Africa
archaicHistorical term used predominantly during the Ming Dynasty, particularly in reference to Zheng He's maritime expeditions. Corresponds to the region known as the 'Western Ocean' (Xiyang) in Chinese historical geography, distinct from the modern meaning of 'the West'.
Zheng He's voyages to the Western Ocean were a great feat in Chinese maritime history.
During the Ming Dynasty, many goods from the Western Ocean arrived in China via maritime routes.