bindi: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal
Quick answer
What does “bindi” mean?
A decorative mark or dot worn on the forehead, traditionally by Hindu women, often signifying the third eye or spiritual insight.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A decorative mark or dot worn on the forehead, traditionally by Hindu women, often signifying the third eye or spiritual insight.
Also refers to the small ornamental sticker or jewel used to create this mark, or to a type of small, burr-like seed from certain plants.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling. Both varieties recognize the primary definition.
Connotations
In both regions, it strongly connotes South Asian (particularly Indian) culture and Hinduism. The botanical seed meaning is more common in Australian English.
Frequency
Low frequency in both varieties, but potentially higher in areas with significant South Asian diaspora.
Grammar
How to Use “bindi” in a Sentence
wear + [a] bindiapply + [a] bindi to + foreheadVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bindi” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No standard verb use]
American English
- [No standard verb use]
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb use]
American English
- [No standard adverb use]
adjective
British English
- [No standard adjective use]
American English
- [No standard adjective use]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Unlikely, except in contexts of cultural fashion retail or import/export.
Academic
Used in religious studies, anthropology, and cultural studies texts.
Everyday
Used when discussing cultural attire, festivals, or personal adornment.
Technical
In botany, refers to the seed of the 'bindii' or 'jo-jo' plant.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bindi”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bindi”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bindi”
- Spelling: 'bindhi' or 'bendy'. Plural: 'bindis' (not 'bindies'). Using it generically for any forehead mark.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
While it is a culturally significant symbol in Hinduism, its use by others is a matter of cultural sensitivity and context.
No, while red is traditional, bindis come in many colours, shapes, and designs, often to match attire.
A 'bindi' is typically worn by women and is often a decorative dot. A 'tilak' is a broader term for religious marks applied by both men and women, often with sacred ash or sandalwood paste.
Yes, it originates from Sanskrit 'bindu' meaning 'dot, drop, or small particle' and is used in several Indian languages.
A decorative mark or dot worn on the forehead, traditionally by Hindu women, often signifying the third eye or spiritual insight.
Bindi is usually formal in register.
Bindi: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɪndi/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɪndi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None specific to this word]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Bindi on the forehead BINDS one to spiritual focus.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE THIRD EYE IS A DOT (spiritual insight as a visible mark).
Practice
Quiz
In which context might you hear 'bindi' used in Australian English?