# mahal

/məˈhɑɫ/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/mahal
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

a palace or a large, grand building. It is a word used in India and nearby countries for very impressive houses or historical monuments.

For teachers: a palace, mansion, or grand public building in South Asia. Often used as a suffix in the names of specific historical structures.

## Examples

- 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.

## Usage notes

- Commonly appears as a proper noun or as part of a compound name for historical sites.

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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.