mahal
n. countable C2 Proficiency US //məˈhɑɫ// ma·hal
n. a palace or a large, grand building. It is a word used in India and nearby countries for very impressive houses or historical monuments.
n. a palace, mansion, or grand public building in South Asia. Often used as a suffix in the names of specific historical structures.
The Taj Mahal is the most famous building in India.
The king built a beautiful mahal for his family to live in during the summer months.
The architectural style of the ancient mahal combines intricate stone carvings with expansive courtyards designed to provide natural ventilation during the monsoon season.
Borrowed from Hindi महल (mahal), from Arabic مَحَلّ (maḥall, “place”).
Usage
Commonly appears as a proper noun or as part of a compound name for historical sites.