# Telugu

/ˈtɛɫʊɡu/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/telugu
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. the language

noun · CEFR B2

a language spoken by millions of people in southern India.

For teachers: a Dravidian language that serves as the official language of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

- She grew up speaking Telugu at home with her parents in Hyderabad.
- Telugu is one of the six languages designated as a classical language of India due to its rich literary tradition and ancient history.

### 2. the people

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a person who belongs to the ethnic group from southern India that speaks Telugu.

For teachers: a member of the Dravidian ethnic group native to the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

- The local festival was a great celebration for the Telugus living in the city.
- The diaspora of Telugus has established vibrant cultural organisations across North America and Europe to maintain their linguistic heritage.

### 3. relating to the culture

adjective · CEFR B2

relating to the Telugu language, people, or their culture.

For teachers: pertaining to the Telugu language, its speakers, or the cultural products of the Andhra and Telangana regions.

- We went to see a new Telugu movie at the cinema last night.
- The restaurant specialises in traditional Telugu cuisine, which is known for being particularly spicy and flavourful.

## Examples

- She speaks Telugu with her family at home.
- The university offers a comprehensive course for students interested in studying classical Telugu literature and poetry.
- As one of the most widely spoken Dravidian languages, Telugu possesses a rich literary tradition that dates back over a millennium, influencing much of the cultural landscape of southern India.

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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.