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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See All Example Sentences for Khmer

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of Khmer was in 1881

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Khmer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Khmer. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

Khmer

noun
: a member of an aboriginal people of Cambodia

More from Merriam-Webster on Khmer

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