Burmese

noun

Bur·​mese ˌbər-ˈmēz How to pronounce Burmese (audio)
-ˈmēs
plural Burmese
1
: a native or inhabitant of Burma (Myanmar)
2
: the Tibeto-Burman language of the Burmese people
3
: any of a U.S.-developed breed of slender short-haired cats having gold eyes and a usually dark brown coat
Burmese adjective

Examples of Burmese 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.
Another highlight was a 10.17-carat Burmese, cushion shaped ruby on an 18k gold ring surrounded by round diamonds. Anthony Demarco, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025 Each morning, hundreds of Burmese arrive at the clinic, waiting to see a doctor, receive vaccinations or get a prenatal checkup. Anne Chan, NBC News, 1 Feb. 2025 Radio Free Asia broadcasts in Burmese, Cantonese, English, Khmer, Korean, Lao, Mandarin, Tibetan, Uyghur and Vietnamese. Li Yuan, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025 The film is narrated in the languages of the cultures the characters move through, as Burmese gives way to Thai, to Vietnamese, and beyond — a wandering, collective dream. Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 28 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for Burmese

Word History

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Burmese was in 1824

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Cite this Entry

“Burmese.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Burmese. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

Burmese

noun
Bur·​mese ˌbər-ˈmēz How to pronounce Burmese (audio)
-ˈmēs
plural Burmese
1
: a person born or living in Burma
2
: the language of the Burmese people
Burmese adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on Burmese

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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