Delhi

American  

[del-ee] / ˈdɛl i /

noun

1. a union territory in N India. 574 sq. mi. (1,487 sq. km).

2. Also called Old Delhi.  a city in and the capital of this territory: former capital of the old Mogul Empire; administrative headquarters of British India 1912–29.

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Delhi British  

/ ˈdɛlɪ /

noun

1. the capital of India, in the N central part, on the Jumna river: consists of Old Delhi (a walled city reconstructed in 1639 on the site of former cities of Delhi, which date from the 15th century _bc ) and New Delhi to the south, chosen as the capital in 1912, replacing Kolkata (then called Calcutta); university (1922). Pop: 9 817 439 (2001)

2. an administrative division (National Capital Territory) of N India, formerly a Union Territory. Capital: Delhi. Area: 1483 sq km (572 sq miles). Pop: 13 782 976 (2001)

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Delhi Cultural  

1. City in north-central India. New Delhi, the nation's capital, is a division of the city.

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Example Sentences

For several weeks now, the Indian capital, Delhi, has been battling a severe heatwave, with temperatures routinely rising above 40C.

From BBC • Jun. 15, 2026

Following the strike, the Indian government had summoned the deputy head of the US mission in Delhi.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

Until recently, Ashish Savita spent his days assembling earbuds and smartwatches at a factory on the outskirts of New Delhi and his nights studying for a college degree.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026

Arju Singh, a 21-year-old master’s student in English in New Delhi, has been preparing for India’s civil-service exam while continuing her studies.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 7, 2026

She skimmed up to and lit on the graceful bow of the Delhi Bridge.

From "Frightful's Mountain" by Jean Craighead George