sirdar

noun

sir·​dar ˈsər-ˌdär How to pronounce sirdar (audio)
sər-ˈdär
variants or sardar
1
a
: a person of high rank (such as a hereditary noble) especially in India
b
: the commander of the Anglo-Egyptian army
2
: one (such as a foreman) holding a responsible position especially in India

Examples of sirdar in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Kanchha, then 19 years old, saw the teams passing through Namche on their way to the mountain and noticed Tenzing Norgay, the charismatic sirdar (foreman) of the expeditions’ high-altitude porters. Freddie Wilkinson, National Geographic, 17 June 2019 In 1992, Lakpa Rita was working his first season as a sirdar, or head Sherpa, for AAI. Anna Callaghan, Outside Online, 16 May 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sirdar.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Hindi & Urdu sardār, from Pers

First Known Use

1595, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of sirdar was in 1595

Dictionary Entries Near sirdar

Cite this Entry

“Sirdar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sirdar. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.

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