Standard Lemma guide

mleccha

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • General-American, Received-Pronunciation: /məˈlɛ.tʃə/
  • rhymes with -ɛtʃə

1

noun

Meaning 1

A foreign barbarian in ancient India.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: derogatory, historical

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

A foreigner; especially one who is not Hindu.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: derogatory

Examples

  • Near-synonym: barbarian

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: foreigner

History

Etymology

Transliteration of Sanskrit म्ले॒च्छ (mlecchá). Doublet of Mech.