Birman

1 of 3

noun (1)

Bir·​man ˈbər-mən How to pronounce Birman (audio)
: a long-haired domestic cat of a breed originating in Burma (Myanmar) and resembling the Siamese in eye color and coat pattern but much stockier in build with paws symmetrically marked with white

Burman

2 of 3

noun (2)

Bur·​man
-mən
variants or less commonly Birman
" How to pronounce Burman (audio)
plural -s
: burmese
specifically : a member of the Mongolian ethnic group in Burma

Burman

3 of 3

adjective

variants or less commonly Birman
"
: of or relating to Burma or the Burmans : burmese

Examples of Birman 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.
Noun
Siamese, Ragdoll and Birman cats typically have a pointed coat. — Madeline Gunderson, USA Today, 5 July 2026 Alexandre Birman offers the Clarita in a variety of colors and styles, and a metallic silver pair currently retails for $725. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 9 June 2026 Did Karl Lagerfeld really leave millions to his blue-cream Birman, Choupette? — David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 18 May 2026 This is Socrate, a friendly Sacred Birman, a hotel resident and informal mascot. — Arden Fanning Andrews, Vogue, 23 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for Birman

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

variant of Burman

Noun (2)

Burma (formerly also Birma) + English -an

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1973, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Birman was in 1973

Rhymes for Birman

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Browse Nearby Words

birma
Birman
Birmingham
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Cite this Entry

“Birman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Birman. Accessed 15 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on Birman

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Birman

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