bayadere

noun

ba·​ya·​dere ˈbī-ə-ˌdir How to pronounce bayadere (audio)
-ˌder
: a fabric with horizontal stripes in strongly contrasted colors

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French bayadère, attributive use of bayadère "professional female dancer in India," borrowed from Portuguese bailhadera "female dancer," derivative of bailhar "to dance," going back to Late Latin ballāre — more at ball entry 3

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bayadere was in 1851

Dictionary Entries Near bayadere

Cite this Entry

“Bayadere.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bayadere. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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