Sanskrit

noun

San·​skrit ˈsan-ˌskrit 

ˈsan(t)-skrət

1

: an ancient Indo-Aryan language that is the classical language of India and of Hinduism

2

: classical Sanskrit together with the older Vedic and various later modifications of classical Sanskrit see Indo-European Languages Table

Sanskrit adjective

Sanskritic

san-ˈskri-tik 

adjective

Sanskritist

ˈsan-ˌskri-tist 

noun

Examples of Sanskrit in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

They are written in different languages and scripts, such as Prakrit and Sanskrit, Gujarati, Rajasthani, and early Hindi scripts. — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 15 May 2026

Sperm whales communicate using group-specific dialects orders of magnitude older than Sanskrit. — Ryan Huling, Time, 7 May 2026

The property’s name combined two Sanskrit words, aman for peace and puri for place. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 May 2026

It is believed to have most likely been found in the Golconda mines of the Deccan between 1100 and 1300, though some believe it may have been mentioned in ancient Sanskrit writings from thousands of years ago. — Doha Madani, NBC news, 30 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Sanskrit saṁskṛta, literally, perfected, from sam together + karoti he makes

First Known Use

1696, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

Sanskrit

noun

San·​skrit ˈsan-ˌskrit 

: an ancient Indic language of India and of Hinduism

Sanskrit adjective