Sikh

American  

[seek, sik] / sik, sɪk /

noun

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.

---

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

---

adjective

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

Other Word Forms

• Sikhism
  noun

Etymology

Origin of Sikh

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

Example Sentences

Sukhvinder Kaur, chair of trustees at Sikh Women's Aid, said the sentence "sent a strong message to people who have the views and attitudes of this perpetrator, so we absolutely welcome that".

From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026

Dressed in a layered outfit, Multani’s right wrist glinted with a Kara — an iron bracelet, known as one of five articles of Sikh faith — decorated with Punjabi language script and proudly visible.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

After 9/11, she worked for the ACLU, representing the Sikh community in a series of discrimination lawsuits.

From Salon • Apr. 12, 2026

She led a Sikh prayer at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee in 2024.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

Now I look at him and think Sikh.

From "The Night Diary" by Veera Hiranandani

Related Words

• adherent
• believer
• devotee