variants
or less commonly gambir
: a yellowish catechu that is obtained from a tropical southeast Asian woody vine (Uncaria gambir) of the madder family and is used for chewing with the betel nut and for tanning and dyeing
Examples of gambier in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Although some secondary regrowth occurred after the collapse of the gambier industry after the 1870s, the islands never really recovered.
—
Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Feb. 2025
Today the modern equivalents of gambier—such as palm oil and timber plantations—and the relentless pursuit of profit means some areas are continuing to experience deforestation at the highest rates in the world.
—Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Feb. 2025
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.
Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Feb. 2025
Today the modern equivalents of gambier—such as palm oil and timber plantations—and the relentless pursuit of profit means some areas are continuing to experience deforestation at the highest rates in the world.
—Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gambier.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gambier. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
gambier
noun
gam·bier
variants
also gambir
: a yellowish catechu that is obtained from a southeast Asian woody vine (Uncaria gambir) of the madder family and that is used for chewing with the betel nut and for tanning and dyeing
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share