Sikh

1 of 3

noun (1)

ˈsēk  ˈsik 

: an adherent of a monotheistic religion of India founded about 1500 by Guru Nānak and marked by rejection of idolatry and caste

Sikhism

ˈsē-ˌki-zəm 

noun

Sikh

2 of 3

adjective

: of or relating to Sikhs or Sikhism

Sikhism

3 of 3

noun (2)

Sikh·​ism ˈsēˌkizəm 

plural -s

: a radically monotheistic religion of India founded about 1500 in the Punjab and characterized by its worship of one deity, by its allegiance to sacred scriptures, and by its witness to a line of 10 personal gurus until the guruship was transferred in 1708 compare khalsa sense 2, nanakpanthi

Examples of Sikh in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Understanding the history of Sutter County requires knowing the influence of the Punjabi diaspora, most of whom are Sikh, in the growth of the agricultural area. —Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 13 Apr. 2026

The exact origin of the festival is unclear, but according to historical records, Lohri was celebrated with much pomp in the Punjab region during the reign of the Sikh maharaja Ranjit Singh in the early 19th century. —Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Apr. 2026

Adjective

Digwa was convicted of murder for stabbing Nowak with a Sikh dagger and sentenced last week to life in prison with a minimum 21-year term. —ABC News, 10 June 2026

In Ohio, Pamarthy found a community that embraces its Sikh Indian heritage, as well as a new generation that's integrating their faith with their American identity. —Brittney Melton, NPR, 9 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1) and Noun (2)

Hindi & Urdu, literally, disciple

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1756, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1845, in the meaning defined above

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