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Bhutanese

American  
[boot-n-eez, -ees] / ˌbut nˈiz, -ˈis /

adjective

  1. of, relating to, or characteristic of Bhutan, its inhabitants, or their language.


noun

plural

Bhutanese
  1. a native or inhabitant of Bhutan.

  2. Also called Dzongkha.  a Tibetic language that is the official language of Bhutan.

bhutanese British  
/ ˌbuːtɑːnˈɪːz /

noun

  1. a native or inhabitant of Bhutan

"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

adjective

  1. of or relating to Bhutan or its inhabitants

"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

Usage

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

Etymology

Origin of Bhutanese

First recorded in 1805–15; Bhutan + -ese

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“It is a daily staple with deep cultural significance and a flavorful profile that captures the essence of Bhutanese family life.”

From Salon • Jan. 15, 2026

"I must ensure that every Bhutanese is a custodian, stakeholder, and beneficiary of GMC," King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck announced Wednesday in a speech to mark the country's national day.

From Barron's • Dec. 17, 2025

BBC Verify understands that some people in the group seen in the viral video are US citizens of Nepalese and Bhutanese heritage.

From BBC • Oct. 30, 2024

The spectators lining the course cheered her, some waving the orange-and-yellow Bhutanese flag with the dragon in the center, the one Lhamo carried in the opening ceremony two weeks ago.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 11, 2024

It was unfortunate, she thought, that Colonel Dermot, with his extraordinary knowledge of and influence over the Bhutanese, had left India.

From The Jungle Girl by Casserly, Gordon