Khmer
/kษหmษษr/noun
The ethnic group native to Cambodia, also referring to their language and culture.
Did you know?The term 'Khmer' is believed to derive from the Sanskrit 'Kambuja', linking the Khmer people to ancient Indian cultural influences and spiritual practices.
Etymological Timeline
Sanskrit
Sanskrit
Kambuja
โA mythical land or people associated with the region of Cambodia.โ
7th Century
Old Khmer
Khmer
โThe name used by the people to refer to themselves, signifying identity and cultural unity.โ
Modern English
English
Khmer
โAdopted to describe the ethnic group, their language, and cultural heritage.โ
20th Century
English
Khmer Rouge
โA radical communist movement that dramatically shaped Cambodia's 20th-century history.โ