hindus

IPA/ˈhɪn.duː/
KK[hˈɪndˌuz]IPA/ˈhɪn.duː/

hindus — noun

  • hindussingular
  • hindusesplural

1. people who follow the religion of Hinduism; the plural form of hindu

1.nounB1
Definition

people who follow the religion of Hinduism; the plural form of hindu

Example

Many Hindus celebrate Diwali by lighting oil lamps and sharing sweets with their neighbours.

Hindus + plural verb pattern

Hindus believe in karma, the idea that a person's actions shape their future.

Common collocations
  • devout Hindus
  • practising Hindus
  • many Hindus
  • Hindus believe
  • Hindus worship
  • Hindus celebrate
  • Hindus make up
  • majority of Hindus
  • community of Hindus
Synonyms
  • Hinduism followers

    a descriptive phrase rather than a single-word synonym; less common in everyday use

Usage Note

This is the plural form of hindu. Use it when referring to more than one follower of Hinduism. For a single person, use the singular form hindu.

Common Mistakes

Many Hindi celebrate Diwali.
Many Hindus celebrate Diwali.
Hindi is a language; Hindu refers to a follower of Hinduism.
Hindu celebrates Diwali every year.' (when referring to a group)
Hindus celebrate Diwali every year.
Use the plural form hindus when talking about more than one person.

Word family

  • hindu
    nounB1
  • Hinduism
    nounB1

Etymology

PersianSanskritEnglish

Hindu comes from the Persian word Hindū, referring to people living near the Indus River. Over time, it came to describe followers of the religious traditions of the Indian subcontinent, now known as Hinduism.

First known use

1625

1625, in the meaning defined at sense 1