Sanskrit

noun

San·​skrit ˈsan-ˌskrit 

ˈsan(t)-skrət

1

: an ancient Indo-Aryan language that is the classical language of India and of Hinduism

2

: classical Sanskrit together with the older Vedic and various later modifications of classical Sanskrit see Indo-European Languages Table

Sanskrit adjective

Sanskritic

san-ˈskri-tik 

adjective

Sanskritist

ˈsan-ˌskri-tist 

noun

Examples of Sanskrit in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Rooted in Brahman and Theravada Buddhist traditions, Day One is Moha Songkran, derived from the Sanskrit sangkranti, for movement or passage. —Jia H. Jung, Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2025

The legacy of Golconda diamonds begins with a reference found in a 4th-century Sanskrit manuscript. —Anthony Demarco, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025

Indian hair oiling has become big business Hair oiling is an Indian tradition recorded in ancient Sanskrit medicinal texts like Charaka Samhita, and passed on through the centuries. —Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 14 Apr. 2025

The fire, the costumes, the Sanskrit the pundit has to say? —Reneysh Vittal, Them., 4 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Sanskrit saṁskṛta, literally, perfected, from sam together + karoti he makes

First Known Use

1696, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

Sanskrit

noun

San·​skrit ˈsan-ˌskrit 

: an ancient Indic language of India and of Hinduism

Sanskrit adjective