sahib

noun

sa·hib ˈsä-ˌ(h)ib

-ˌ(h)ēb,

ˌsä-ˈ(h)ib,

-ˈ(h)ēb

: sir, master

—used especially among the native inhabitants of colonial India when addressing or speaking of a European of some social or official status

Word History

Etymology

Hindi sāhab & Urdu ṣāḥib, ṣāḥab companion, master, from Arabic ṣāḥib

First Known Use

1673, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of sahib was in 1673

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

Sahel

sahib

sahibah

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Sahib.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sahib. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

truculent

Listen to the pronunciation of truculent

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Plural and Possessive Names: A Guide

Using Bullet Points ( • )

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Popular in Wordplay

8 Real (and Perceived) Redundant Words

17 Words for Dog Breeds

Ten More Words from Taylor Swift Songs

Why do we 'bury the lede?'

'Za' and 9 Other Words to Help You Win at SCRABBLE

Popular

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

8 Real (and Perceived) Redundant Words

17 Words for Dog Breeds