Dalit

American  

[dah-lit] / ˈdɑˌlɪt /

Sometimes dalit

noun

Sometimes Offensive.

plural

Dalits,

plural

Dalit

1. a member of the Scheduled Castes in India, sometimes also considered to include a member of the Scheduled Tribes.

2. a member of any of India’s oppressed peoples.

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Dalit British  

/ ˈdɑːlɪt /

noun

1. Formerly called: untouchable.  offensive a member of the lowest class in India, whom those of the four main castes were formerly forbidden to touch

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Usage

The term Dalit, which has replaced untouchable, can have negative connotations: its literal meaning is “oppressed; broken.” The Indian courts and government instead use the terms Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe. But Dalit is used in the media and has been adopted by politically active group members as a positive term of self-reference. It generally represents a sense of solidarity and identity and holds political significance for members of this community.

Etymology

Origin of Dalit

First recorded in 1945–50; from Hindi dalit, from Neo-Sanskrit dalita, specific use of Sanskrit dalita “broken,” from root dal- “to break, burst, split”

Example Sentences

Kabir Maan, an educator and trans man from India's marginalised Dalit community, voiced similar concerns.

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026

The girl is from the Dalit community, which is at the bottom of the Hindu caste hierarchy.

From BBC • Jun. 3, 2025

Influential Tamil director Pa Ranjith has launched a yearly film festival in her name which celebrates Dalit cinema.

From BBC • May 17, 2025

While her acting skills earned admiration, it was rare for a Dalit woman to take up acting at the time.

From BBC • May 17, 2025

In recent years, Dalit filmmakers and activists have sought to reclaim Rosy's legacy.

From BBC • May 17, 2025