Sanskrit

noun

San·​skrit ˈsan-ˌskrit How to pronounce Sanskrit (audio)
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 adjective
Sanskritist noun

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1696, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Sanskrit was in 1696

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

Sanskrit

noun
San·​skrit ˈsan-ˌskrit How to pronounce Sanskrit (audio)
: an ancient Indic language of India and of Hinduism
Sanskrit adjective
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