古董 (gǔ dǒng) literally combines 古 (gǔ), meaning 'ancient' or 'old', and 董 (dǒng), which here functions as a phonetic component with no independent meaning in this compound. Together, they refer to objects—such as ceramics, furniture, paintings, or coins—that are old, historically valuable, and often collected for cultural or monetary reasons. While not all old items qualify, true 古董 typically date from before the early 20th century and possess verifiable age, craftsmanship, and authenticity.

This word is commonly used in contexts related to museums, auctions, antique shops, and heritage preservation. It carries connotations of elegance, rarity, and historical significance—not merely age. Unlike the more general term 老东西 (lǎo dōngxi, 'old thing'), 古董 implies recognized artistic or historical value and is often associated with appraisal, restoration, or collecting as a serious pursuit.