Sikh

1 of 2

noun

ˈsēk How to pronounce Sikh (audio)
ˈsik
: an adherent of a monotheistic religion of India founded about 1500 by Guru Nānak and marked by rejection of idolatry and caste
Sikhism noun

Sikh

2 of 2

adjective

: of or relating to Sikhs or Sikhism

Examples of Sikh in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The most vocal supporters of the cause are among the Sikh diaspora. Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2024 Haley's candidacy is historic not only because of her country of descent but also for her Sikh upbringing. USA TODAY, 22 Jan. 2024 Being the first Sikh on Big Brother is already huge. EW.com, 10 Nov. 2023 The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District released surveillance video footage that captured the Jan. 29 explosions near the Gurdwara Sacramento Sikh Society, a temple in Sacramento County’s Vineyard neighborhood. Rosalio Ahumada, Sacramento Bee, 10 Feb. 2024 Just down the street from the gurdwara, on Bradshaw Road, a billboard promoting the Khalistan referendum shows a pious-looking Sikh underneath an American flag. Joe Rubin, Sacramento Bee, 31 Jan. 2024 Nijjar, a Canadian citizen, was shot and killed outside a Sikh cultural center in Surrey, British Columbia. Britney Nguyen, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2023 Simranjit Singh, a Sikh who grew up hearing Kabir’s couplets, developed a deeper appreciation for the poet in graduate school. Kalpana Jain, The Christian Science Monitor, 21 Nov. 2023 At least two members of Peshawar’s Sikh community were killed in the few past months. Rick Noack, Washington Post, 10 Nov. 2023
Adjective
At the time, members of Northern California’s Sikh community would gather to pray on the farm. Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 8 Mar. 2024 Years later, Canadian officials apologized for shortcomings in the investigations and possibly ignoring warnings from India of an impending attack by Sikh militants. Brian Murphy, Washington Post, 29 Feb. 2024 Related article Why is India so worried about Sikh separatist calls for Khalistan? Tara John, CNN, 13 Feb. 2024 The intended victim was an activist for Sikh independence. Ryan Lucas, NPR, 25 Feb. 2024 The recent allegations that the Indian government tried to assassinate a U.S. citizen of Sikh descent are likely to fade without any action or strong public criticism. Ramachandra Guha, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2024 Turban-wearing Sikh motorcyclists would be free to ride helmet-free in California if Assembly Bill 2392, proposed by Fresno Assembly member Esmeralda Soria, becomes law this year. Jim Guy, Sacramento Bee, 16 Feb. 2024 Weeks later, the United States accused an Indian government official of being involved in a conspiracy to kill another Sikh separatist, American citizen Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, on US soil. Tara John, CNN, 13 Feb. 2024 In her memoir Can't Is Not An Option, Haley wrote that Raj grew up in a six-story home close to the Golden Temple, the holiest site in the Sikh religion. Jessica Sager, Peoplemag, 13 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'Sikh.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Hindi & Urdu, literally, disciple

First Known Use

Noun

1756, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1845, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Sikh was in 1756

Dictionary Entries Near Sikh

Cite this Entry

“Sikh.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Sikh. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

Sikh

noun
ˈsēk
: a believer in a religion of India that was founded about 1500 and that believes in one God and rejects idols and caste
Sikhism
-ˌiz-əm
noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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