Sikh

American  

[seek, sik] / sik, sɪk /

noun

Sikhs plural

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

Derived Forms

• Sikhism
  noun

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• Sikhs
  plural

Etymology

Origin of Sikh

First recorded in 1750–60; from Hindi: literally, “disciple,” from Sanskrit śiṣya-

Example Sentences

Following the protests leaders in Southampton's Sikh community called for "peace and harmony".

From BBC • Jul. 1, 2026

Since Modi came to power numerous Hindu, Buddhist, Jain and Sikh places of worship have undergone extensive renovation, as have holy sites such as Varanasi, Sarnath and Bodh Gaya.

From Barron's • Jun. 25, 2026

The Sikh Federation has said the larger blade carried by Digwa was not a kirpan, one of the articles of faith carried by Sikhs.

From BBC • Jun. 6, 2026

"As Sikh MPs, we believe it is important to be clear about the facts," the statement said.

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2026

Now I look at him and think Sikh.

From "The Night Diary" by Veera Hiranandani

Related Words

• adherent
• believer
• devotee