Ceylonese
/ˌsiːləˈniːz/noun
Relating to Ceylon, the former name of Sri Lanka, or to its people.
Did you know?Ceylon ultimately reflects forms related to Sanskrit Siṃhala, traditionally interpreted as “lion land,” although the exact historical development of the name remains debated.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient India
Sanskrit
Siṃhala
“A historical name associated with Sri Lanka; traditionally connected with “lion,” though the precise etymology is disputed.”
Ancient and Medieval South Asia
Pali
Sīhala
“A Pali form referring to Sri Lanka and its people.”
16th Century
Portuguese
Ceilão
“The Portuguese name for the island now called Sri Lanka.”
17th Century
Dutch
Ceylon
“The Dutch colonial form of the island’s name, later adopted widely in English.”
18th–19th Century
English
Ceylonese
“Formed from Ceylon plus the people-and-place suffix “-ese,” meaning relating to Ceylon or its inhabitants.”
Modern English
English
Ceylonese
“A historical or formal adjective and noun referring to Ceylon or its people, especially before Sri Lanka adopted its present name in 1972.”
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