Nishan
/nɪˈʃɑːn/noun
A mark, sign, badge, or decoration, especially an honorific order in South Asian or Ottoman contexts.
Did you know?In Ottoman Turkish, nişan meant both a distinguished medal or order and a sign of betrothal, linking public honor with the symbolic “mark” of an engagement.
Etymological Timeline
Middle Persian
Middle Persian
nišān
“A sign, mark, token, or distinguishing indication”
Classical Persian
Persian
nishān (نشان)
“A sign, mark, emblem, or indication”
Ottoman Period
Ottoman Turkish
nişan
“A sign, badge, medal, or distinguished order; also a betrothal”
Medieval–Modern Period
Hindi/Urdu
nishān (निशान / نشان)
“A mark, trace, sign, target, emblem, or standard”
19th–20th Century
English
nishan
“A badge, decoration, or honorific order, particularly one associated with Asian or Ottoman rulers”
Modern English
English
Nishan
“A loanword used for a sign, emblem, badge, or ceremonial distinction”
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