sepoy

noun

se·​poy ˈsē-ˌpȯi How to pronounce sepoy (audio)
: a native of India employed as a soldier by a European power

Examples of sepoy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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According to rumors spread among the sepoys, the cartridges were sealed in a tallow made from cow and pig fat. Literary Hub, 29 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Portuguese sipai, from Hindi & Urdu sipāhī, from Persian, cavalryman

First Known Use

circa 1718, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sepoy was circa 1718

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Cite this Entry

“Sepoy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sepoy. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

sepoy

noun
se·​poy ˈsē-ˌpȯi How to pronounce sepoy (audio)
: an Indian soldier employed in the service of a European power

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