purdah

American  

[pur-duh] / ˈpɜr də /

Or purda,

noun

1. the seclusion of women from the sight of men or strangers, practiced by some Muslims and Hindus.

2. a screen, curtain, or veil used for this purpose.

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purdah British  

/ ˈpɜːdə /

noun

1. the custom in some Muslim and Hindu communities of keeping women in seclusion, with clothing that conceals them completely when they go out

2. a screen in a Hindu house used to keep the women out of view

3. a veil worn by Hindu women of high caste

4. informal hiding or isolation

   the Treasury is currently locked in pre-budget purdah

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Etymology

Origin of purdah

1790–1800; < Hindi, Urdu pardah curtain < Persian

Example Sentences

Nesbitt said the law cannot be changed due to purdah, which is a period in the run up to an election when no new ministerial policies can be introduced.

From BBC • Feb. 9, 2026

It is startling to think that it is only eight months since Alonso was in purdah under Lampard and Chelsea was running the risk of missing out on qualifying for the Champions League.

From New York Times • Sep. 24, 2021

He said women should observe purdah - a term referring to women wearing modest clothes around men or segregation between sexes.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2021

Talk that Andrew’s purdah will only last a few months is wishful thinking: Epstein’s ghost will always hover behind him now.

From The Guardian • Nov. 22, 2019

I had seen these women nearly every day of my life observing the code of purdah, where they cover themselves in public.

From "Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Changed the World" by Malala Yousafzai