choli: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, technical (fashion, cultural anthropology), specific cultural contexts.
Quick answer
What does “choli” mean?
A short-sleeved, fitted blouse that ends above the waist, traditionally worn under a sari or lehenga in South Asian women's clothing.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A short-sleeved, fitted blouse that ends above the waist, traditionally worn under a sari or lehenga in South Asian women's clothing.
A traditional Indian garment component; can also refer to stylized versions in contemporary fusion or global fashion.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. More likely to be encountered in British English due to larger South Asian diaspora.
Connotations
Same cultural connotations in both variants.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in British English, but remains a low-frequency, culture-specific term in both.
Grammar
How to Use “choli” in a Sentence
She paired her sari with a matching [choli].The [choli] was intricately embroidered.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the context of the fashion retail or textile import/export industry.
Academic
Used in cultural studies, anthropology, or fashion history papers discussing South Asian dress.
Everyday
Used when discussing traditional Indian attire for weddings or festivals.
Technical
Used in garment design, pattern making, and fashion merchandising for ethnic wear.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “choli”
- Using 'choli' to refer to any Indian top (e.g., a kurti).
- Pronouncing it with a hard 'ch' as in 'church' (/tʃ/) rather than the correct softer sound.
- Treating it as a standalone outerwear item without cultural context.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is traditionally worn as part of an ensemble, typically under a sari or with a lehenga (skirt).
No, the choli is a specifically feminine garment in traditional South Asian dress.
It is typically shorter (ending above the waist), often backless or with unique cuts, and designed specifically to be worn with a draped sari, which is tucked into its waistband.
Very rarely. It remains a culture-specific term, though it may appear in global fashion reporting on ethnic trends.
A short-sleeved, fitted blouse that ends above the waist, traditionally worn under a sari or lehenga in South Asian women's clothing.
Choli is usually formal, technical (fashion, cultural anthropology), specific cultural contexts. in register.
Choli: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃəʊli/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃoʊli/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this term in English.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'CHOcolate' on a hot day - you'd want a short, cool top. CHOli is a short, cool top for a sari.
Conceptual Metaphor
A foundational layer (as the choli provides the base for the drape of the sari).
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'choli' most accurately described as?