English Reference

Word

delhi

Phoneticsdel·hi, stress on the first syllable

/ˈdɛɫi/

Definitions

01the city in India

A1 · Beginner Uncountable noun

n. a very large city in northern India that is home to millions of people.

n. a megacity and union territory in northern India, encompassing the national capital, New Delhi.

“Many people travel to Delhi to see its famous historic markets and monuments.”

“Delhi serves as a vital cultural and political hub, blending ancient Mughal architecture with the rapid development of a modern global megacity.”

02the Indian government

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Formal

n. the government of India.

n. a metonym for the central government of India.

“The news report discussed how Delhi is responding to the new trade agreement.”

“Relations between Delhi and Islamabad have remained a central focus of regional geopolitical analysis for decades.”

Etymology

Corrupted from Hindustani دہلی (dihlī, dêhli) / देहली (dehlī), of uncertain origin. See Delhi § Toponym at Wikipedia. Compare Hindi दिल्ली (dillī).

From Mongolian Дэлхий (Delxii) / ᠳᠡᠯᠡᠬᠡᠢ (delekei).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Idioms

01. Delhi belly

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
Frequency
Common
Level
A1 · Beginner
Updated

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