Sikh

[ sik, seek ]

noun

1. a member of a monotheistic religion, founded in the Punjab about 1500 by the guru Nanak, that refuses to recognize the Hindu caste system or the Brahmanical priesthood and forbids magic, idolatry, and pilgrimages.

adjective

1. of or relating to the Sikhs or to their religion and practices.

Sikh

/ siːk /

noun

1. a member of an Indian religion that separated from Hinduism and was founded in the 16th century, that teaches monotheism and that has the Granth as its chief religious document, rejecting the authority of the Vedas

adjective

1. of or relating to the Sikhs or their religious beliefs and customs

Derived Forms

• ˈSikhˌism, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of Sikh¹

First recorded in 1750–60; from Hindi: literally, “disciple,” from Sanskrit śiṣya-

Word History and Origins

Origin of Sikh¹

C18: from Hindi, literally: disciple, from Sanskrit śiksati he studies

Example Sentences

Amidst this chaos and as millions crossed borders, religious violence spread with Hindus and Sikhs on one side, and Muslims on the other.

From BBC

The five-day festival, celebrated by Sikhs and Jains as well as Hindus, symbolises new beginnings, the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance.

From BBC

Bend It Like Beckham, the tale of a teenage girl from west London torn between playing football and her traditional Sikh family life - grossed £60m on a production budget of £3.5m.

From BBC

Unverified video posted online appeared to show people carrying yellow flags of the Khalistan movement - which demands a separate Sikh homeland in India - clashing with others holding Indian flags.

From BBC

Before knocking on doors, Duarte had spent his morning at a tamale festival and was headed next to an event at a Sikh temple.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• adherent
• believer
• devotee