Sikh

American  

[seek, sik] / sik, sɪk /

noun

• Sikhs
  plural

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.

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adjective

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

Sikh British  

/ 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

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adjective

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

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• Sikhism
  noun

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• Sikhs
  plural

Etymology

Origin of Sikh

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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Sikh Sikhs

This is evident in the depiction of Kip, a Sikh man finding his way in the English world of colonialism.

From Salon ● Jul. 28, 2026

The Akal Takht says the law does not limit itself to criminalising acts of sacrilege but also encroaches on matters that should be decided by Sikh religious institutions.

From BBC ● Jul. 6, 2026

The Akal Takht summoned Sikh ministers and legislators from across parties, including the AAP, to explain why they had backed the law.

From BBC ● Jul. 6, 2026

Following the protests leaders in Southampton's Sikh community called for "peace and harmony".

From BBC ● Jul. 1, 2026

He was from India, and his beard and turban were signs of his Sikh religious beliefs.

From "Shooting Kabul" by N. H. Senzai

Many Sikhs fled the violence to the U.S. and Canada.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 9, 2026

But the move has been challenged by the Akal Takht, the highest seat of temporal and spiritual affairs of Sikhs.

From BBC ● Jul. 6, 2026

Sikhs regard it not only as their holy scripture but also as their eternal living Guru.

From BBC ● Jul. 6, 2026

The emperor appeared less distant and austere than expected, and the reports contained far fewer hostile references to groups such as the Sikhs than Faruqui had anticipated.

From BBC ● Jun. 27, 2026

There were Sikhs from the Punjab who never cut their hair but tucked it all up under their turbans.

From "Homeless Bird" by Gloria Whelan

Related Words

• adherent
• believer
• devotee