# Bengal

/ˈbɛŋɡəɫ/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bengal
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. geographic region

noun · CEFR B2

a large area in South Asia that is now divided between the country of Bangladesh and the Indian state of West Bengal.

For teachers: a historical and geographical region in the northeast of South Asia, currently partitioned between Bangladesh and the Indian state of West Bengal.

- Many famous poets and artists come from the region of Bengal.
- The partition of Bengal in 1947 had a profound impact on the social and political landscape of the entire South Asian subcontinent.

### 2. a type of tiger

noun · CEFR B2

a large, powerful tiger with orange and black stripes that lives in India and nearby countries.

For teachers: a specific subspecies of tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) native to the Indian subcontinent.

- We were lucky enough to see a Bengal tiger in the wild during our trip.
- Conservation efforts in the Sundarbans are critical for the survival of the Bengal tiger population in its natural habitat.

### 4. relating to the region

adjective · CEFR B2

describing something that comes from or relates to the Bengal region.

For teachers: pertaining to the culture, language, or geography of the Bengal region.

- I love eating Bengal sweets like rasgulla.
- The museum features a wide collection of Bengal folk art dating back several centuries.

Usage: While 'Bengal' is used as an adjective in specific terms like 'Bengal tiger', the word 'Bengali' is more common for people, language, and culture.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.