noun
sahib
Sahib (noun) means a historical term of respect used in colonial India for a European man of rank or authority. Example: “In the novel, the servants addressed their employer only as "sahib.”
noun
1
A historical term of respect used in colonial India for a European man of rank or authority.
"After, went to sahib and packed up sahib's things. We had four hire-ponies; three for loads, and one for sahib to ride. Sahib had a Chinese saddle, that he put on a high horse."
— Rasool Galwan, Servant of Sahibs (1923)
"One must never forget that one is a Sahib, and that some day, when examinations are passed, one will command natives."
— , Rudyard Kipling (1900)
"In the novel, the servants addressed their employer only as "sahib.""
How to use sahib
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA respectful colonial-era title for a European gentleman in India.
When to use it
Historical term tied to the British colonial period; rarely used in modern everyday speech outside of historical or literary contexts.
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Word forms
- Plural
- sahibs
Fill the gap
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In the novel, the servants addressed their employer only as "_____."
Etymology
From Hindustani/Persian sahib ("lord, master"), ultimately from Arabic sahib ("companion").
Rhymes for sahib
See all rhymes for sahib →Frequently asked questions
What does “sahib” mean?
The word “sahib” means a historical term of respect used in colonial India for a European man of rank or authority. In plain terms, a respectful colonial-era title for a European gentleman in India.
How do you use “sahib” in a sentence?
Here is “sahib” used in a sentence: “In the novel, the servants addressed their employer only as "sahib.".”
What part of speech is “sahib”?
“Sahib” is a noun.
Where does the word “sahib” come from?
The word “sahib” comes from Arabic. From Hindustani/Persian sahib ("lord, master"), ultimately from Arabic sahib ("companion").
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