Official language (8)

I believe the answer is:

mandarin

This clue is a double definition.

'official' is the first definition.
(I know that mandarin is a type of official)

'language' is the second definition.
(Mandarin is an example)

(Other definitions for mandarin that I've seen before include "High official in imperial China and a fruit" , "Small citrus fruit" , "Small orange or Chinese language" , "Top person in Whitehall" , "Asiatic duck" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian and The Telegraph.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app