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noun

vani

Vani (noun) means a custom found in parts of Pakistan in which a girl, sometimes a minor, is handed over in marriage or servitude to another family to settle a dispute, often after a killing. Example: “Human rights groups have campaigned for decades to end vani and similar forced-marriage customs.”

noun
1
A custom found in parts of Pakistan in which a girl, sometimes a minor, is handed over in marriage or servitude to another family to settle a dispute, often after a killing.
"Human rights groups have campaigned for decades to end vani and similar forced-marriage customs."

How to use vani

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA tribal practice of forcing a girl into marriage or servitude to compensate for a crime committed by her family.

When to use it

A specific cultural/legal term, mostly used in human-rights and news contexts; the practice is illegal in Pakistan but still occurs in some areas.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Human rights groups have campaigned for decades to end _____ and similar forced-marriage customs.

Etymology

Borrowed from a term in Pakistani regional languages for this traditional dispute-settlement practice.

Rhymes for vani

See all rhymes for vani →

Frequently asked questions

What does “vani” mean?

The word “vani” means a custom found in parts of Pakistan in which a girl, sometimes a minor, is handed over in marriage or servitude to another family to settle a dispute, often after a killing. In plain terms, a tribal practice of forcing a girl into marriage or servitude to compensate for a crime committed by her family.

How do you use “vani” in a sentence?

Here is “vani” used in a sentence: “Human rights groups have campaigned for decades to end vani and similar forced-marriage customs.”

What part of speech is “vani”?

“Vani” is a noun.

What is the meaning of vani?

"vani" (noun) means a custom found in parts of Pakistan in which a girl, sometimes a minor, is handed over in marriage or servitude to another family to settle a dispute, often after a killing.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial