noun
panchayat
pan-CHUH-eert
Panchayat (noun) means a local village council in India (and some neighbouring countries) responsible for local governance. Example: “The panchayat approved funding for a new well in the village.”
noun
1
A local village council in India (and some neighbouring countries) responsible for local governance.
"The panchayat approved funding for a new well in the village."
"He called a panchayat of the village and asked them if they objected to having a mill go up next to their village."
— Khushwant Singh, Burial at Sea (2004)
"“You're in the panchayat,” she said. “So couldn't you make that official?”"
— Salman Rushdie, Shalimar the Clown (2005)
How to use panchayat
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA local self-governing council found in villages, mainly in India.
Common pairings
village panchayat
panchayat elections
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Word forms
- Plural
- panchayats
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The _____ approved funding for a new well in the village.
Etymology
From Hindi panchayat, originally meaning "a council of five," from Sanskrit roots referring to a group of respected village elders who settled disputes.
Synonyms
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panchayet
punchayet
Rhymes for panchayat
See all rhymes for panchayat →Frequently asked questions
What does “panchayat” mean?
The word “panchayat” means a local village council in India (and some neighbouring countries) responsible for local governance. In plain terms, a local self-governing council found in villages, mainly in India.
How do you pronounce “panchayat”?
“Panchayat” is pronounced pan-CHUH-eert (/panˈt͡ʃʌɪət/ in IPA).
How do you use “panchayat” in a sentence?
Here is “panchayat” used in a sentence: “The panchayat approved funding for a new well in the village.”
What part of speech is “panchayat”?
“Panchayat” is a noun.
Where does the word “panchayat” come from?
The word “panchayat” comes from Sanskrit. From Hindi panchayat, originally meaning "a council of five," from Sanskrit roots referring to a group of respected village elders who settled disputes.
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