Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

chikara

noun
chi·​ka·​ra | \ chə̇ˈkärə\
plural -s

Definition of chikara

1 or chinkara \ chiŋˈ-​ , -​inˈ-​ \ : the common gazelle (Gazella benettii) of India
2 : four-horned antelope

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for chikara

Hindi cikārā, from Sanskrit chikkāra, a kind of antelope, probably of Dravidian origin; akin to Kannada cigari, cigare black antelope

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about chikara

Statistics for chikara

Look-up Popularity

Comments on chikara

What made you want to look up chikara? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

apposite

Listen to the pronounciation of apposite

highly pertinent or appropriate

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Challenging Vocabulary Quiz Returns!

  • stylized drawing of woman pole vaulting across gap to get trophy
  • Which is a synonym of fuliginous?
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ
SCRABBLE® Sprint

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games