Sikh
/sɪk/noun
A member of a religious community founded in Punjab by Guru Nanak in the 15th century.
Did you know?In Sikh tradition, learning is not merely academic: the word’s connection with “disciple” reflects a lifelong path of listening, practice, and devotion rather than a one-time conversion.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Indo-Iranian
Sanskrit
śikṣ-
“To learn, practice, train, or study”
Classical Sanskrit
Sanskrit
śiṣya
“A disciple or student—literally, one who is to be taught”
Ancient and Medieval India
Pali
sikkhā
“Training, learning, or religious discipline”
15th–16th Century
Punjabi
sikh
“A disciple or learner, especially a follower of the Gurus”
Modern English
English
Sikh
“A member of the Sikh religious community”