# Bombay

/bɑmˈbeɪ/ (US)

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

## Senses

### 1. city in India

noun · CEFR B1 · Archaic

the old name for Mumbai, a very large city in India.

For teachers: the former official name of Mumbai, the capital of Maharashtra state in India, changed in 1995.

- My grandfather still calls the city Bombay even though the name changed years ago.
- Historical documents from the colonial era frequently refer to the port of Bombay as a vital hub for the global spice trade.

Usage: Often used in historical contexts or by older speakers; Mumbai is the standard modern term.

Teaching tip: While 'Bombay' is still used in specific titles like the 'Bombay Stock Exchange', students should use 'Mumbai' for the city in modern conversation.

## Examples

- My grandfather lived in Bombay for many years.
- Many older residents still refer to the city as Bombay despite the official name change to Mumbai decades ago.
- The transition from Bombay to Mumbai reflected a broader movement to reclaim indigenous Marathi identity over the colonial nomenclature established during British rule.

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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.