gurdwara: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal/Neutral
Quick answer
What does “gurdwara” mean?
A Sikh place of worship and community gathering.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A Sikh place of worship and community gathering.
A building where Sikhs congregate for religious services, community meals (langar), and social activities; serves as both a temple and a community centre.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Neutral and descriptive in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in British English due to larger Sikh diaspora communities in the UK, but remains a low-frequency term overall.
Grammar
How to Use “gurdwara” in a Sentence
attend + gurdwarago to + the gurdwaraworship at + the gurdwaravolunteer at + the gurdwaraVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. Might appear in contexts of community relations or cultural awareness training.
Academic
Used in religious studies, sociology, and anthropology when discussing Sikhism or diaspora communities.
Everyday
Used by Sikhs and those familiar with Sikh culture when referring to the specific place of worship.
Technical
Used in architectural or religious texts describing specific features like the prayer hall (Darbar Sahib) and community kitchen (langar).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gurdwara”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gurdwara”
- Misspelling as 'gurudwara' or 'gurudwara'.
- Using a plural 'gurdwaras' (correct) but sometimes incorrectly forming it as 'gurdwarae'.
- Confusing it with a Hindu 'mandir' or other religious buildings.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, gurdwaras are open to people of all faiths and backgrounds. Visitors are expected to cover their head, remove their shoes, and dress modestly as a sign of respect.
The most important focal point is the Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh holy scripture, which is treated with the reverence of a living guru.
Yes, it is a Punjabi word, derived from 'gur' (Guru/teacher) and 'dwara' (door/gateway).
While 'temple' is a generic English term for a place of worship, 'gurdwara' is the specific term for a Sikh place of worship. Using 'gurdwara' shows cultural and religious specificity.
A Sikh place of worship and community gathering.
Gurdwara is usually formal/neutral in register.
Gurdwara: in British English it is pronounced /ɡʊəˈdwɑːrə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɡʊrˈdwɑrə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'GUARDIAN at the DOOR' – a Gurdwara is a spiritual gateway (door) guarded by the teachings of the Guru.
Conceptual Metaphor
A GURDWARA IS A COMMUNITY HUB (combining spiritual, social, and charitable functions).
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'langar' in the context of a gurdwara?