Thai

American  

[tahy] / taɪ /

adjective

1. Formerly Siamese.  of or relating to Thailand, its people, or their language.

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noun

plural

Thais,

plural

Thai

1. Also called Thailander.  a native or or inhabitant of Thailand, or a person of Thai descent.

2. the language of Thailand, a member of the Tai group of languages.

Thai British  

/ taɪ /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of Thailand, its people, or their language

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noun

1. a native or inhabitant of Thailand

2. the language of Thailand, sometimes classified as belonging to the Sino-Tibetan family

Etymology

Origin of Thai

First recorded in 1800–10; from Thai; literally, “free,” a self-designation

Example Sentences

After visiting the shop, I’ll walk my dog over to Her Thai in Mid-City to pick up lunch.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

Twenty Thai crew members returned home in mid-March, while three of their colleagues were missing and presumed trapped in the damaged engine compartment.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

The finished product is indulgent and addictive, flavoring the humble chia seed with freshly brewed Thai tea, maple syrup and vanilla extract, alongside a dollop of homemade coconut whipped cream.

From Salon • Mar. 31, 2026

The Thai Oil Fuel Fund Committee approved a nationwide increase of THB6 per litre across all fuel types, the analyst notes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 27, 2026

They make Indian food infrequently—usually it’s pasta or broiled fish or take-out from the Thai restaurant down the block.

From "The Namesake" by Jhumpa Lahiri