Gurkha
See also: gurkha
English edit
Alternative forms edit
Etymology edit
From Nepali गोर्खा (gorkhā, “inhabitant of Gorkha”), from गोरखा (gorakhā)/गोर्खा (gorkhā, “Gorkha District”), from Sanskrit गोरक्ष (gorakṣa, “cowherd”) an epithet of the patron deity Gorakhnath, from गो (go, “cow”) + रक्ष् (rakṣ, “protect”).
Pronunciation edit
- Rhymes: -ɜː(ɹ)kə
Noun edit
Gurkha (plural Gurkhas or Gurkha)
- A member of the dominant ethnic group in Nepal, with a Himalayan diaspora.
- A member of this people recruited to serve in their own elite units in the British and Indian armies.
Usage notes edit
- While Gurkha has been the popular spelling worldwide, inside Nepal, the correct spelling is considered to be Gorkha.
Translations edit
member of ethnic group
|
military
Adjective edit
Gurkha (comparative more Gurkha, superlative most Gurkha)
- Referring or belonging to the Gurkha people.
- The Gurkha royal house of Shah united all Nepal under its rule
- Referring or belonging to Gurkha soldiers.
- In 2009, Gurkha veterans were awarded better terms in the UK
Derived terms edit
See also edit
References edit
- “Gurkha”, in Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster, 1996–present.
- “Gurkha”, in Lexico, Dictionary.com; Oxford University Press, 2019–2022.
- “Gurkha” in TheFreeDictionary.com, Huntingdon Valley, Pa.: Farlex, Inc., 2003–2024.