Vietnam

proper noun

1. 1

   A country in Southeast Asia. Official name: Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Capital: Hanoi.

   But as in the case of Japan, the results of self-dealing corruption largely remain in the country rather than escaping to Swiss bank accounts as often happened with the style of 1950s era corruption seen in Vietnam or the Philippines.

2. 2

   The Vietnam War.

   David Rabe's anti-Viet Nam play Streamers

noun

1. 1

   A long and protracted war or conflict in which the dominating foreign occupier is unable to secure a victory.

   another Vietnam

   the Soviet Union's Vietnam (the 1979–89 occupation of Afghanistan)

   France's Vietnam (the Algerian War or First Indochina War)

2. 2

   slangA place that is very dangerous, especially if afflicted by violence.

   Welcome back to Vietnam, California.

   Vietnam, California, back in and on a mission.

3. 3

   slangA situation in which one cannot win.

   Everyone was miserable, including Coppola. "It was my Vietnam," he moaned a few months later.

   Judy is the great deceiver / Judy is your Viet Nam

Forms

plural

Vietnams