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.”
How to use sahib
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA respectful colonial-era title for a European gentleman in India.
Historical term tied to the British colonial period; rarely used in modern everyday speech outside of historical or literary contexts.
Word forms
sahibs plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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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