bengal
n. uncountablen. a large region in the northeast of South Asia, now divided between India and Bangladesh. It is famous for its rich culture, history, and the Bengal tiger.
n. a historical and geographical region in the northeast of the Indian subcontinent, currently partitioned between the Indian state of West Bengal and the nation of Bangladesh.
The Bengal tiger is a famous symbol of the region.
Many traditional dishes from Bengal use mustard oil and a specific blend of five spices.
The partition of Bengal in the early twentieth century remains a pivotal moment in the geopolitical history of South Asia, influencing regional identity and politics for decades.
Borrowed from Portuguese Bengala, from Classical Persian بَنْگَالَه (bangāla), from Middle Bengali বাঙ্গালা (baṅgala), said to be from the Vanga Kingdom, of uncertain ultimate origin. Vangalam has been attested in medieval South India. Doublet of Bangla.
Usually capitalized as a proper noun referring to the geographic region; can be used as a modifier for animals or products from the area.