Kayasth

noun

Ka·​yasth
ˈkäyəst
variants or Kayastha
-stə
plural -s
: a member of a high Hindu caste especially numerous in Bengal and Uttar Pradesh whose caste occupation is that of clerks, writers, and accountants

Word History

Etymology

Sanskrit kāyastha, probably from kāya body, group + -stha standing, being in; akin to Sanskrit cinoti he gathers, heaps up and to Sanskrit tiṣṭhati he stands

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near Kayasth

Cite this Entry

“Kayasth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Kayasth. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!