Hindu

or Hin·doo

[ hin-doo ]

noun

1. a person, especially of northern India, who adheres to Hinduism.

adjective

1. of or relating to Hindus or Hinduism.

Hindu

/ hɪnˈduː; ˈhɪnduː /

noun

1. a person who adheres to Hinduism
2. an inhabitant or native of Hindustan or India, esp one adhering to Hinduism

adjective

1. relating to Hinduism, Hindus, or India

Other Words From

• an·ti-Hin·du adjective noun
• non-Hin·du noun adjective
• pro-Hin·du adjective noun
• pseu·do-Hin·du adjective noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of Hindu¹

1655–65; < Persian Hindū Indian (adj., noun), equivalent to Hind ( Hindi ) + -ū adj. suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of Hindu¹

C17: from Persian Hindū, from Hind India; see Hindi

Example Sentences

Nearby, a striking 9th century Indonesian carving in volcanic stone of Brahma, the multi-headed god, represents the myriad complexities of creation — just like every other Hindu Brahma sculpture that is not on view.

From Los Angeles Times

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

While the victims include Hindu families, critics say the action is mostly targeted at India's 200 million odd Muslims, especially after religious violence or protests - a charge the BJP denies.

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

This difference is despite seven decades of affirmative action, India's caste system - a four-fold hierarchy of the Hindu religion - remains deeply entrenched.

From BBC