Gurkha

[ gur-kuh, goor- ]

noun

, plural Gur·khas, (especially collectively) Gur·kha.

1. a member of a Rajput people, Hindu in religion, who achieved dominion over Nepal in the 18th century.
2. a Nepalese soldier in the British or Indian army.

Gurkha

/ ˈɡɜːkə; ˈɡʊəkɑː /

noun

1. a member of a Hindu people, descended from Brahmins and Rajputs, living chiefly in Nepal, where they achieved dominance after being driven from India by the Muslims
2. a member of this people serving as a soldier in the Indian or British army

Word History and Origins

Origin of Gurkha¹

First recorded in 1805–15

Example Sentences

Not even a Gurkha or a Hindu can now travel in Tibet without especial permission.

From Project Gutenberg

Its duty was to go forward and make connection with the Scotch and Gurkha troops with which it was brigaded.

From Project Gutenberg

The Gurkha rear-companies tripped and blundered over loose stones.

From Project Gutenberg

There were a thousand dusky natives hemming in but fifty Gurkha soldiers and one British officer.

From Project Gutenberg

"A force of Gurkha soldiers held up in the hills, sir," he told Joe.

From Project Gutenberg