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choli

American  
[choh-lee] / ˈtʃoʊ li /
Or cholee

noun

  1. a short-sleeved blouse or bodice, often one exposing part of the midriff, worn by women in the Indian subcontinent.


choli British  
/ ˈkəʊlɪ /

noun

  1. a short-sleeved bodice, as worn by Indian women

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of choli

First recorded in 1905–10, choli is from the Hindi word colī

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

On a Saturday morning, a cluster of college-age women in sequined red-and-green ghagra choli jostle around a selfie stick in the parking lot.

From Slate Apr. 3, 2017

Vera Wang's India-inspired clothes were quiet, delicate and lovely, sometimes requiring a trained eye to notice Wang's nod to the Nehru collar or choli jacket.

From Seattle Times Sep. 11, 2012

I put on my choli and my petticoat.

From "Homeless Bird" by Gloria Whelan

The angia is tied behind, while the Marātha choli, which is the same thing, is buttoned or tied in front.

From The Tribes and Castes of the Central Provinces of India - Volume IV of IV Kumhar-Yemkala by R. V. (Robert Vane) Russell

Married women do not wear bangles nor toe-rings nor the customary necklace of beads; they put on no jewellery, and have no choli or bodice.

From The Tribes and Castes of the Central Provinces of India - Volume IV of IV Kumhar-Yemkala by R. V. (Robert Vane) Russell

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