noun
Diwali
dih-WAH-lee
Diwali (noun) means a major Hindu festival of lights celebrated over several days each autumn, marking the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Example: “Families light small clay lamps and set off fireworks to celebrate Diwali.”
noun
1
A major Hindu festival of lights celebrated over several days each autumn, marking the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
"Families light small clay lamps and set off fireworks to celebrate Diwali."
How to use Diwali
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe Hindu festival of lights, celebrated with lamps, fireworks, and family gatherings.
Common pairings
celebrate Diwali
Diwali lights
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Word forms
- Plural
- Diwalis
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Families light small clay lamps and set off fireworks to celebrate _____.
Etymology
From Hindi दिवाली (divālī), from Sanskrit दीपावलि (dīpāvali), literally "row of lights".
Rhymes for Diwali
See all rhymes for Diwali →Frequently asked questions
What does “Diwali” mean?
The word “Diwali” means a major Hindu festival of lights celebrated over several days each autumn, marking the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. In plain terms, the Hindu festival of lights, celebrated with lamps, fireworks, and family gatherings.
How do you pronounce “Diwali”?
“Diwali” is pronounced dih-WAH-lee (/dɪˈwɑli/ in IPA).
How do you use “Diwali” in a sentence?
Here is “Diwali” used in a sentence: “Families light small clay lamps and set off fireworks to celebrate Diwali.”
What part of speech is “Diwali”?
“Diwali” is a noun.
Where does the word “Diwali” come from?
The word “Diwali” comes from Sanskrit. From Hindi दिवाली (divālī), from Sanskrit दीपावलि (dīpāvali), literally "row of lights".
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