Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

mela

American  
[mey-lah] / ˈmeɪ lɑ /

noun

  1. a religious fair, especially one held in connection with a festival.

  2. a throng of people.


mela British  
/ ˈmiːlə, ˈmɛlə /

noun

  1. an Asian cultural or religious fair or festival

"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 mela

1790–1800; < Hindi < Sanskrit melā assembly, company

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.

Since the incident, authorities have stepped up security measures in the festival and have also banned vehicles from entering the mela grounds until 4 February.

From BBC • Jan. 31, 2025

The Kumbh mela is organised in all the four cities, but the biggest festivals are always held in Prayagraj.

From BBC • Jan. 13, 2025

However, infections are being reported from the mela ground even before the start of the event.

From BBC • Jan. 13, 2022

Thus we're offered exemplary docs on Iraq, 10 years on, or eco-friendly homes, on oil in Ireland, or the special mela that takes place in India every 12 years.

From The Guardian • Mar. 16, 2013

This mela is held in a low valley not far from one of the passes into Tibet.

From Life and Work in Benares and Kumaon, 1839-1877 by Kennedy, James

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Look it up. Learn it forever.

Remember "mela" for good with VocabTrainer. Expand your vocabulary effortlessly with personalized learning tools that adapt to your goals.

Take me to Vocabulary.com