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Showing results for kalian. Search instead for kalians.
Synonyms

kalian

American  
[kahl-yahn] / kɑlˈyɑn /

noun

  1. a Persian tobacco pipe in which the smoke is drawn through water; hookah.


kalian British  
/ kælˈjɑːn /

noun

  1. another name for hookah

"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 kalian

First recorded in 1825–35, kalian is from the Persian word qalyān

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.

One kalian artist who abandoned paint and canvas altogether was Ettore Bugatti.

From Time Magazine Archive

On arriving at a station they dismount, take a hasty cup of tea which is in readiness, and a few pulls at the kalian, or water-pipe.

From The Little Gleaner, Vol. X. A Monthly Magazine for the Young by Various

The Mustapha is found seated on the raised floor of his open-fronted office, examining, between whiffs of the kalian, papers brought to him by his subordinates, and I hand him my general letter of recommendation.

From Around the World on a Bicycle - Volume II From Teheran To Yokohama by Stevens, Thomas

Refreshments and pipes are served at regulated intervals, and the introduction of a third cup of tea or coffee and a third kalian is the signal for the guest to retire.

From Journeys in Persia and Kurdistan, Volume I (of 2) Including a Summer in the Upper Karun Region and a Visit to the Nestorian Rayahs by Bird, Isabella L. (Isabella Lucy)

A servant brought the Khan a handsome kalian to smoke three times.

From Journeys in Persia and Kurdistan, Volume I (of 2) Including a Summer in the Upper Karun Region and a Visit to the Nestorian Rayahs by Bird, Isabella L. (Isabella Lucy)