baksheesh

or bak·shish, bak·shis

[ bak-sheesh, bak-sheesh ]

See synonyms for baksheesh on Thesaurus.com

noun

a tip, present, or gratuity.

verb (used with or without object)

to give a tip.

Origin of baksheesh

First recorded in 1615–25, baksheesh is from the Persian word bakhshish gift

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use baksheesh in a sentence

I explain that we don't want her to be frightened, but that if she will come and speak to us she shall have bakshish.
Round the Wonderful World | G. E. Mitton
The sheikh and his supporters are much addicted to bakshish, which enables many a culprit to escape punishment.
Ten Years' Captivity in the Mahdi's Camp 1882-1892 | F. R. Wingate
It is quite an ordinary occurrence for the Ansar to relate dreams flattering to the Khalifa, in the hope of getting some bakshish.
Ten Years' Captivity in the Mahdi's Camp 1882-1892 | F. R. Wingate
The Germans, also, refused to bakshish the officials of their ally, and more trouble came from that.
The Iron Ration | George Abel Schreiner
He slipped a coin into the man's hand; bakshish would always smooth the way.
Barclay of the Guides | Herbert Strang

British Dictionary definitions for baksheesh

baksheesh

noun

money given as a tip, a present, or alms

verb

to give such money to (a person)

Origin of baksheesh

C17: from Persian bakhshīsh, from bakhshīdan to give; related to Sanskrit bhaksati he enjoys

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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