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.

---

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

---

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

She led a Sikh prayer at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee in 2024.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

Singh and other Sikh activists are urging the council to appoint an expert to investigate transnational repression, or for existing special rapporteurs to focus more on the issue.

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026

It added that events in the square have included The Passion of Jesus at Easter, and events for the Sikh festival of Vaisakhi and Chanukah, the Jewish holiday.

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026

The Sikh Coalition and Asian Law Caucus are suing the California DMV, alleging the state violated truck drivers’ rights when it revoked 17,000 licenses.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 17, 2026

Now I look at him and think Sikh.

From "The Night Diary" by Veera Hiranandani

Related Words

• adherent
• believer
• devotee