Bakhtiari

noun

Bakh·​tia·​ri

ˌbäktēˈärēˌ bäkˈtyä-

plural Bakhtiari or Bakhtiaris

1

: a nomadic people ranging between Isfahan and Kermanshah, Iran

2

: a member of the Bakhtiari people

Word History

Etymology

Persian Bakhtyārī, perhaps from bakhtyār fortunate, rich, from bakht fortune, prosperity

First Known Use

1911, in the meaning defined at sense 1

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now