shikar: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowFormal/Historical/Indian English
Quick answer
What does “shikar” mean?
The sport of hunting game, especially large game, on the Indian subcontinent.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The sport of hunting game, especially large game, on the Indian subcontinent.
Can refer to a hunting expedition or, in modern Indian English, metaphorically to pursuing any challenging or elusive goal. Historically associated with colonial-era big game hunting.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is equally rare in both varieties but more likely to be encountered in British English due to historical colonial ties. In American English, it is virtually unknown outside specific historical or literary contexts.
Connotations
In BrE, it primarily evokes 19th-century colonial history and big game hunting. In AmE, it is an obscure, exotic term with little specific connotation.
Frequency
Extremely rare in common usage for both. Slightly higher recognition in BrE, but still a specialist/historical term.
Grammar
How to Use “shikar” in a Sentence
go on a shikar (for + game)engage in shikarVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “shikar” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The colonial officers would often shikar in the terai forests.
- He spent his leave shikaring for leopards.
American English
- The historical account described how they shikared across the plains.
adjective
British English
- They packed their shikar rifles and kit.
- The memoir described a shikar camp lifestyle.
American English
- The museum displayed old shikar trophies.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. May be used metaphorically in Indian business journalism: 'The corporate shikar for the new contract begins.'
Academic
Used in historical, post-colonial, or South Asian studies contexts to discuss colonial practices and environmental history.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation in international English. In India, might be used by older generations or in literary style.
Technical
Not a technical term in any widespread field. Specific to historical hunting literature.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “shikar”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “shikar”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “shikar”
- Pronouncing it as /ˈʃaɪ.kɑːr/ (like 'shy-car').
- Using it as a general synonym for modern, ethical wildlife tourism.
- Spelling it as 'shikkar' or 'shikhar' (which is a mountain peak).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very low-frequency word, primarily used in historical, literary, or specific Indian English contexts.
Yes, though extremely rare. It can be used to mean 'to hunt game', as in 'They went shikaring in the forest.'
Confusing it with the unrelated Russian word 'шикарный' (shikarniy), which means 'luxurious' or 'great'. They are false friends.
It can be, as it is inextricably linked to colonial exploitation and the historical decimation of species like the Indian tiger. Using it neutrally requires awareness of this context.
The sport of hunting game, especially large game, on the Indian subcontinent.
Shikar is usually formal/historical/indian english in register.
Shikar: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃiː.kɑː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃiˌkɑr/ or /ʃɪˈkɑr/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “on shikar”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a British 'sheikh' going on a 'car' ride to hunt tigers – the 'sheikh' + 'car' sounds like 'shikar'.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE/GOALS ARE PREY; PURSUIT IS A HUNT (e.g., 'He was on the shikar for a new job.')
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'shikar' MOST likely to be used accurately today?