Sikhism
/ˈsɪkɪzəm/noun
The religious tradition founded in Punjab in the late 15th century by Guru Nanak and developed through ten Gurus.
Did you know?The word Sikh comes from a Sanskrit term for “disciple,” connecting Sikh identity directly to the idea of lifelong learning under spiritual instruction.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*sekʷs-
“An Indo-European verbal root associated with following or attending to instruction; its exact relationship to later Sanskrit forms is debated.”
Ancient Sanskrit
Sanskrit
śiṣya
“A disciple, student, or person receiving instruction.”
Medieval Punjabi
Punjabi
sikh
“A disciple or learner, especially a follower of a spiritual teacher.”
15th–16th Century
Punjabi
Sikh
“A disciple within the community formed around Guru Nanak and the succeeding Gurus.”
19th Century
English
Sikhism
“The English name for the Sikh religious tradition, formed by adding the suffix -ism to Sikh.”
Modern English
English
Sikhism
“The religion and way of life centered on the teachings of the Sikh Gurus and the Guru Granth Sahib.”