navaratra

noun

na·​va·​ra·​tra

ˌnəvəˈrä‧trə

plural -s

: a nine-day Hindu festival in honor of Durga held in the month Asin

Word History

Etymology

Sanskrit navarātra period of nine nights, from nava nine + rātri night; perhaps akin to Sanskrit rāma black

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now