Birman

1 of 3

noun (1)

Bir·​man ˈbər-mən How to pronounce Birman (audio)
: a long-haired domestic cat of a breed originating in Burma (Myanmar) and resembling the Siamese in eye color and coat pattern but much stockier in build with paws symmetrically marked with white

Burman

2 of 3

noun (2)

Bur·​man
-mən
variants or less commonly Birman
" How to pronounce Burman (audio)
plural -s
: burmese
specifically : a member of the Mongolian ethnic group in Burma

Burman

3 of 3

adjective

variants or less commonly Birman
"
: of or relating to Burma or the Burmans : burmese

Examples of Birman in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Siamese, Ragdoll and Birman cats typically have a pointed coat. — Madeline Gunderson, USA Today, 5 July 2026 Did Karl Lagerfeld really leave millions to his blue-cream Birman, Choupette? — David A. Graham, The Atlantic, 18 May 2026 This is Socrate, a friendly Sacred Birman, a hotel resident and informal mascot. — Arden Fanning Andrews, Vogue, 23 Apr. 2026 Alexandre Birman offers the Clarita in a variety of colors and styles, and a metallic silver pair currently retails for $725. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for Birman

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

variant of Burman

Noun (2)

Burma (formerly also Birma) + English -an

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1973, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Birman was in 1973

Rhymes for Birman

See All Rhymes for Birman

Browse Nearby Words

birma
Birman
Birmingham
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Cite this Entry

“Birman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Birman. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on Birman

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Birman

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