Himalayan

1 of 2

adjective

Hi·​ma·​la·​yan ˌhi-mə-ˈlā-ən How to pronounce Himalayan (audio)
hi-ˈmäl-yən, 
-ˈmä-lē-ən How to pronounce Himalayan (audio)
Synonyms of Himalayannext
1
: of, relating to, or resembling the Himalayas
2
: enormously large : mountainous
a task of Himalayan proportions

Himalayan

2 of 2

noun

: any of a breed of domestic cats developed by crossing the Persian and the Siamese and having the stocky build and long thick coat of the former and the blue eyes and coat patterns of the latter

Illustration of Himalayan

Illustration of himalayan

Synonyms of Himalayan

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Adjective

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Examples of Himalayan in a Sentence

Adjective as military blunders go, the disastrous Pickett's Charge was of Himalayan proportions
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.
Adjective
Yes, more important than the new Himalayan adventure bike and maybe even the parallel-twin motos. — New Atlas, 15 Apr. 2026 Just a few steps from the main building, past the 300-year-old wild chestnut tree, is the tranquil spa complete with a Himalayan salt room, Turkish bath and gym. — Irenie Forshaw, TheWeek, 19 Mar. 2026
Noun
My guide, the taciturn but caring Gyaljen Sherpa, a veteran of Himalayan trekking, points to large cavities like teeth marks along the cliffs on the opposite bank. — Chandrahas Choudhury, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 July 2024 Here, in a forest of West Himalayan spruce and cedar, are 124 stone temples, most of which were built between the seventh and 11th centuries. — Elizabeth Cantrell, Travel + Leisure, 7 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for Himalayan

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1835, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1949, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Himalayan was in 1835

Rhymes for Himalayan

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Browse Nearby Words

Himalaya honeysuckle
Himalayan
Himalayan barley
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Cite this Entry

“Himalayan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Himalayan. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

Himalayan

1 of 2 adjective
Hi·​ma·​la·​yan ˌhim-ə-ˈlā-ən How to pronounce Himalayan (audio) him-ˈäl-(ə-)yən How to pronounce Himalayan (audio)
: of, relating to, or characteristic of the Himalaya Mountains

Himalayan

2 of 2 noun
: any of a breed of stocky blue-eyed domestic cats that have a long thick coat and a pale body with darker ears, paws, tail, and face

More from Merriam-Webster on Himalayan

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Himalayan

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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