sambar

noun

sam·​bar ˈsäm-bər How to pronounce sambar (audio)
ˈsam-
variants or less commonly sambur
: a large Asian deer (Rusa unicolor synonym Cervus unicolor) with the male having strong 3-pointed antlers and long coarse hair on the throat

Examples of sambar in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Season to taste with salt, and serve hot with coconut chutney, sambar, and pickles if desired. — Meher Mirza, Saveur, 27 Feb. 2025 During morning hours, visitors can set off on a game drive in search of sambar deer, striped hyenas and—of course—tigers, then head back to the property to enjoy its on-site spa and impressive wine selection before sitting down for a stunning sunset. — Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Hindi & Urdu sā̃bar, from Sanskrit śambara

First Known Use

1698, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sambar was in 1698

Rhymes for sambar

See All Rhymes for sambar

Browse Nearby Words

sambaqui
sambar
sambhogakaya
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sambar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sambar. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on sambar

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about sambar

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

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

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Words You Always Have to Look Up

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Birds Say the Darndest Things

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)
See More

Popular

See More

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

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

8 Words with Fascinating Histories
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
name that thing flower edition
Name That Flower Can you tell the difference between a lilac and a...
See All