Ganges

American  

[gan-jeez] / ˈgæn dʒiz /

noun

1. a river flowing SE from the Himalayas in N India into the Bay of Bengal: sacred to Hindus. 1,550 miles (2,495 km) long.

---

Ganges British  

/ ˈɡændʒiːz /

noun

1. Hindi name: Ganga.  the great river of N India and central Bangladesh: rises in two headstreams in the Himalayas and flows southeast to Allahabad, where it is joined by the Jumna; continues southeast into Bangladesh, where it enters the Bay of Bengal in a great delta; the most sacred river to Hindus, with many places of pilgrimage, esp Varanasi. Length: 2507 km (1557 miles)

---

Other Word Forms

• Gangetic
  adjective

Example Sentences

The Yamuna river, a major tributary of the Ganges, continues to suffer from severe pollution despite repeated clean-up pledges.

From Barron's • Oct. 27, 2025

The sludge has also blocked part of the Bhagirathi river - which becomes India's holiest river Ganges once it travels downstream - forming an artificial lake that has submerged large areas, including a government helipad.

From BBC • Aug. 6, 2025

The incident took place in Prayagraj city near the Sangam, an auspicious meeting point of the sacred Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati rivers where devotees take a dip.

From BBC • Jan. 31, 2025

The team hopes its research can help policymakers plan for and mitigate flood hazards in the Ganges delta and beyond.

From Science Magazine • Jun. 17, 2024

“It’s why Maa and Baap are taking him to Varanasi. They hope the Ganges will make him better.”

From "Homeless Bird" by Gloria Whelan