annapurna: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal / Literary / Geographical / Cultural
Quick answer
What does “annapurna” mean?
Proper noun: the name of a mountain massif in the Himalayas, containing several of the world's highest peaks.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Proper noun: the name of a mountain massif in the Himalayas, containing several of the world's highest peaks; also the name of a Hindu goddess of food and nourishment.
Used metaphorically or descriptively to refer to an abundant source of nourishment, sustenance, or a peak/culminating achievement, drawing from its dual association with the mountain and the goddess.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant usage differences. The geographical term is universally recognized. The cultural/religious reference may be slightly more familiar in UK contexts due to historical ties to South Asia.
Connotations
Conveys grandeur, formidable challenge (mountain), or divine/plentiful sustenance (goddess).
Frequency
Very low frequency in general discourse, appearing primarily in mountaineering, geography, religious studies, or literary contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “annapurna” in a Sentence
[Proper Noun] as subject (Annapurna rises...)[Proper Noun] in possessive (Annapurna's summit)Metaphorical: [source] of [nourishment/achievement]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “annapurna” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Annapurna region is famed for its trekking routes.
- He described the harvest as almost Annapurna-like in its plenty.
American English
- The Annapurna trail offers stunning vistas.
- Her generosity was of Annapurna proportions.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Almost never used. Potentially in hyperbolic metaphor: 'The new market is an Annapurna of opportunity.'
Academic
In geography, religious studies, or South Asian cultural studies.
Everyday
Virtually unused except by climbers, trekkers, or those with specific cultural knowledge.
Technical
Specific use in mountaineering and cartography.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “annapurna”
- Misspelling: 'Annapurna' vs. 'Annapurna'.
- Using it as a common noun without context ('an annapurna').
- Mispronouncing with stress on 'pur' instead of 'purn'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is primarily a proper noun (the name of a specific mountain and a specific goddess). Its use as a metaphorical common noun is rare and literary.
It is a Sanskrit compound: 'Anna' means 'food' or 'grain' and 'purna' means 'full' or 'complete'. Thus, it translates as 'Full of Food' or 'Giver of Nourishment'.
It would be very unusual unless you are specifically discussing Himalayan geography, mountaineering, or Hindu mythology. In general conversation, it is not a familiar word.
Recognising that it is a proper noun with two distinct but related referents (a mountain and a goddess), and understanding that its metaphorical use is highly specialised and not part of active general vocabulary.
Proper noun: the name of a mountain massif in the Himalayas, containing several of the world's highest peaks.
Annapurna is usually formal / literary / geographical / cultural in register.
Annapurna: in British English it is pronounced /ˌanəˈpɜːnə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌænəˈpɜːrnə/ or /ˌɑːnəˈpʊrnə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Rare/Formal] An Annapurna of [knowledge/resources]: an immense and sustaining source.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Anna (like 'aunt') + purna ('full' in Sanskrit). Think of a generous aunt (the goddess) providing a full meal, or a full, massive mountain.
Conceptual Metaphor
SUSTENANCE/ABUNDANCE IS A MOUNTAIN (combining both meanings). A PEAK ACHIEVEMENT IS A HIMALAYAN SUMMIT.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'Annapurna' used as a specific technical proper noun?