1900–05; < Punjabi and Hindi < Sanskrit kṛpāṇa sword
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The Sikh Federation said the blade used by Digwa was not a religious knife, known as a kirpan.
From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026
Digwa, a Sikh, was carrying both a small sheathed dagger, known as a kirpan, and a second larger dagger in his belt, which is worn by some Sikhs.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026
Judge Mousley commented that it is a strict requirement of the Sikh faith to carry a knife, called a kirpan, at all times.
From BBC • Jun. 3, 2026
Many male Ravidassia members wear long hair in a turban and carry Sikh articles of faith such as the kada or bracelet, kangha or wooden comb and kirpan, the sheathed, single-edged knife.
From Seattle Times • May 29, 2023
On his belt, along with his pistol, he wore the little kirpan, the dagger all Sikhs carry.
From Four-Day Planet by Piper, H. Beam
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
