palanquin
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of palanquin
1580–90; < Middle French < Dutch pallankin < Portuguese palanquim ≪ Pali pallaṅka, Sanskrit palyaṅka; compare Oriya pālaṅki
Explanation
A palanquin is a covered vehicle without wheels that requires at least four strong people to carry it. Long ago, queens in India were commonly carried around everywhere on palanquins. Another name for a palanquin is a litter. The palanquins that ancient Indian and Chinese royalty used for long trips were often large enough for sleeping and dining in, and were carried by dozens of people. The English palanquin was adopted from the Portuguese palanquim, which in turn can be traced back to the Sanskrit palyanka, meaning "bed or couch."
Vocabulary lists containing palanquin
The Joy Luck Club
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The Secret Garden
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Listen, Slowly
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"In India, it's said that the bride enters the husband's home carried on a palanquin and that she leaves only after her death, carried out on a funeral bier," Rao told the BBC.
From BBC • Mar. 7, 2026
He seems to have no desire for the trappings of luxury, eschewing the apparently traditional palanquin for his trips about town and showing little interest in the lavish feasts put in front of him.
From The Verge • Jan. 13, 2022
Other singular Golconda works include the gilded-copper finials of a palanquin — another recent discovery — and a prayer rug for six, with architectural designs and contrasting patterns creating a niche for each worshiper.
From New York Times • Apr. 23, 2015
Cersei’s is a gilded palanquin carried by servants; Tyrion’s is a crate with scuzzy air holes.
From The New Yorker • Apr. 12, 2015
A veiled woman wearing a crown walks alongside the palanquin with her hand resting on the glass.
From "The Belles" by Dhonielle Clayton
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.
