Gurkha

== English == === Alternative forms === Gorkha, Ghurkha, Ghoorka, Goorka, Goorkha (some forms are archaic) === Etymology === 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 === Rhymes: -ɜː(ɹ)kə === Noun === 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 ==== While Gurkha has been the popular spelling worldwide, inside Nepal, the correct spelling is considered to be Gorkha. ==== Translations ==== === Adjective === Gurkha (comparative more Gurkha, superlative most Gurkha) Referring or belonging to the Gurkha people. Referring or belonging to Gurkha soldiers. ==== Derived terms ==== === See also === Gurkha on Wikipedia.Wikipedia === References === “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., 2003–2026