Nepalese

American  

[nep-uh-leez, -lees] / ˌnɛp əˈliz, -ˈlis /

adjective

1. of or relating to Nepal, its inhabitants, or their language.

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noun

plural

Nepalese

1. a native or inhabitant of Nepal.

2. Nepali.

Nepalese British  

/ ˌnɛpəˈliːz /

adjective

1. of or relating to Nepal or its inhabitants

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noun

1. a native or inhabitant of Nepal

Usage

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

Etymology

Origin of Nepalese

First recorded in 1810–20; Nepal + -ese

Example Sentences

But Everest, first scaled in 1953 by New Zealander Edmund Hillary and Nepalese Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, was a far more formidable and dangerous beast.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 8, 2026

A social-media campaign last year that focused on so-called nepo babies contrasted the lifestyles of elite families with the hardships of ordinary Nepalese.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 8, 2026

Nepalese authorities are hoping a new scheme will be more effective.

From BBC • Dec. 29, 2025

While browsing the library, you might stumble on a book from a cuisine you’ve never explored: Nepalese, Swedish, Kenyan, Cuban.

From Salon • Dec. 20, 2025

Cotter was persistent, however, and thanks to his efforts the American Embassy persuaded the Nepalese army to attempt a helicopter rescue in the Cwm.

From "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer