The Merkit (Mongolian:Мэргид, lit. "skillful/wise ones") was one of the five major tribal confederations (khanlig) of the Mongols in the 12th century Mongolian Plateau.

The Merkits lived in the basins of the Selenga and lower Orkhon River (modern south Buryatia and Selenge Province). After a struggle that took over two decades, they were defeated in 1200 and incorporated into the Mongol Empire formed by Genghis Khan.