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• varna
  varna

  noun

  class.
• Varna
  Varna

  noun

  a seaport in NE Bulgaria, on the Black Sea.

varna

¹ American  

[vahr-nuh, vuhr-] / ˈvɑr nə, ˈvʌr- /

noun

1. Hinduism. class.

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Varna ² American  

[vahr-nuh] / ˈvɑr nə /

noun

1. a seaport in NE Bulgaria, on the Black Sea.

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Varna ¹ British  

/ ˈvarna /

noun

1. Former name (1949–56): Stalin. a port in NE Bulgaria, on the Black Sea: founded by Greeks in the 6th century _bc ; under the Ottoman Turks (1391–1878). Pop: 340 000 (2005 est)

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varna ² British  

/ ˈvɑːnə /

noun

1. any of the four Hindu castes; Brahman, Kshatriya, Vaisya, or Sudra

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Etymology

Origin of varna

From the Sanskrit word varna literally, cover, color, hence sort, class

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Explanation

In Hinduism, society is traditionally divided into four classes or castes, called varnas. The varnas were first mentioned in the oldest known Sanskrit text, the Rig Veda. In Sanskrit, varna, "color or shape," derives from the root vr, which means "to cover, count, or classify." This ancient way of classifying people led to India's caste system. The four varnas are Brahmins (priests), Kshatriyas (nobles), Vaishya (commoners or workers), and Shudras (servants).

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

varna Varna

In this way, the Vedic religion of the Aryans religion produced the varna, a strictly hierarchical society based on inherited status.

From Textbooks ● Apr. 19, 2023

House and personal servants were of the fourth varna.

From Textbooks ● Jan. 1, 2012

Even within the varna, jobs were strictly regulated, which is why such large servant staffs were required.

From Textbooks ● Jan. 1, 2012

Indian civil servants were of the third varna.

From Textbooks ● Jan. 1, 2012

The idea of caste is expressed by the Sanskrit term varna, originally denoting “colour,” thereby implying differences of complexion between the several classes.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Slice 4 "Bradford, William" to "Brequigny, Louis" by Various

All 15 crew members, seven Ukrainian and eight Azerbaijani nationals, were transported to safety in the Bulgarian port of Varna, Radev said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 13, 2026

Darina Yotova was born in the Black Sea port city of Varna, where she graduated from the National School of Arts.

From Barron's ● May 17, 2026

The property is along the Tujunga Wash in the 7000 block of Varna Avenue, just north of Saticoy Street.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 16, 2026

On Saturday, authorities at the Bulgarian port of Varna did not confirm whether the Anna-Theresa will enter the port or will continue to the Bosporus Strait.

From Washington Times ● Sep. 2, 2023

It turns out that the schooner is a Russian from Varna, and is called the Demeter.

From "Dracula" by Bram Stoker

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