Bollywood

American  

[bol-ee-wood] / ˈbɒl iˌwʊd /

noun

1. the motion-picture industry of India, based in Bombay.

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Bollywood British  

/ ˈbɒlɪˌwʊd /

noun

1. informal

   1. the Indian film industry

   2. ( as modifier )

      a Bollywood star

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Etymology

Origin of Bollywood

Blend of Bombay and Hollywood

Example Sentences

Her range and vitality made every song a celebration and defined the sound of Bollywood for generations.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

Appropriate to a character who lives for being onscreen, “Bait” plays with the language of film — gritty procedural, a burst of Bollywood, romantic comedy — though not necessarily to the usual ends.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026

Adarsh says the frenzy over the film reminds him of the 1975 Bollywood hit Sholay.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

"Depending on where the final figure comes in on Monday, this is a record-breaking opening for a Bollywood film in the US," said Gross, potentially besting 2022 hit "RRR."

From Barron's • Mar. 22, 2026

Yasmeen wraps my wrist in a death grip and drags me through the lobby to the tune of “Ek Ladki ko Dekha, ” an old Bollywood love song that inspired millions of tears.

From "Love, Hate & Other Filters" by Samira Ahmed