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.

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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

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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

Under current legislation, a practising Sikh may wear a small, curved blade, known as a Kirpan, close to the body but drawing it in an act of aggression is illegal.

From BBC • May 31, 2026

The Sikh Federation UK released a statement following the verdicts, saying: "Henry's life has tragically been cut short by a moment of madness by an individual for which there can be no excuses."

From BBC • May 28, 2026

Digwa gave the knife to his mother and it was later found by police at their family home along with more than 20 other Sikh weapons.

From BBC • May 28, 2026

It wasn’t until college that she joined the Sikh Students Assn.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 21, 2026

Now I look at him and think Sikh.

From "The Night Diary" by Veera Hiranandani

Related Words

• adherent
• believer
• devotee