1. a foreign trading establishment or warehouse in China, especially during the 18th and 19th centuries
Usage: historical; often capitalized when referring to a specific establishment
2. a Chinese business house or mercantile establishment
Usage: historical; chiefly used in reference to traditional Chinese commerce

Examples

• The British hong in Canton was one of the most important trading centers in Asia.
• Merchants from Europe established their hongs along the Chinese coast to facilitate trade.
• The hong system allowed foreign traders to conduct business under strict Chinese regulations.
• Many hongs were destroyed during the Opium Wars of the 19th century.
• The hong served as both a warehouse and a residence for foreign merchants.