Khmer

noun

kə-ˈmer 

plural Khmer or Khmers

1

: a member of an aboriginal people of Cambodia

2

: the Mon-Khmer language of the Khmer people that is the official language of Cambodia

Khmer adjective

Examples of Khmer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In more modern times, bad feelings have lingered, as Cambodia’s development, hindered by French colonialism and, in the 1970s, the brutal rule of the communist Khmer Rouge, has fallen well behind Thailand. —Sopheng Cheang, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2025

The event, hosted by City Heights Community Development Corporation and Khmer American Mutual Association of San Diego, is free. —Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Apr. 2025

Davis received an Excel spreadsheet in English and Khmer, the language most widely spoken in Cambodia. —Steve Suo, ProPublica, 5 June 2025

In a country where Khmer Rouge leaders were prosecuted on Cambodian soil while former soldiers continue to live beside survivors, healing is remembrance. —Victoria Bousis, Rolling Stone, 22 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

northern or western dialect Khmer khmε:r, a self-designation (standard Khmer khmaε)

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing Khmer

• Mon-Khmer

Rhymes for Khmer

• ai
• aye
• bae
• bi
• buy
• by
• bye
• chai
• chi
• cry
• die
• dry

Kids Definition

Khmer

noun

kə-ˈme(ə)r 

: a member of an aboriginal people of Cambodia