Burmese

[ ber-meez, ‑-mees ]

adjective

1. of or relating to Burma (now Myanmar), its inhabitants, or their language.
2. Burman ( def 3 ).

noun

, plural Bur·mese.

1. a native or inhabitant of Burma (now Myanmar).
2. Burman ( def 1 ).
3. the Tibeto-Burman language of the Burman ethnic group: the official language of Burma (now Myanmar).

Burmese

/ bɜːˈmiːz /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of Burma (Myanmar), its people, or their language

noun

1. a native or inhabitant of Burma (Myanmar)
2. the official language of Burma (Myanmar), belonging to the Sino-Tibetan family

Usage Note

Burmese is used as a plural noun (a candidate favored by the Burmese ), but it's relatively rare as a singular noun (the candidate who is a Burmese ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of Burmese¹

First recorded in 1815–25; Burm(a) + -ese

Example Sentences

Many young Burmese have taken drastic measures to resist the conscription order.

From BBC

The embattled leader has cut an isolated figure since the coup, and been shunned by the regional gatherings which are usually attended by Burmese leaders.

From BBC

They argue that the military must be taken out of Burmese politics for good and put under civilian control, and a new federal political system established.

From BBC

Burmese, Chinese and the local Yunnan dialect mingled as vocal spectators reacted to every pass, kick and shot.

From BBC

They also rely on labour from the other side, which has stopped, according to several agents who help Burmese workers find jobs.

From BBC