bali
|ba-li|
/ˈbɑːli/
Indonesian island / place name
Etymology
'bali' originates from Austronesian languages, specifically Balinese and Old Javanese local usage, where it was used as a place-name.
'bali' appears in Old Javanese and Balinese sources and was recorded by European mapmakers (Portuguese and Dutch) as 'Bali', eventually becoming the modern English name 'Bali'.
Initially it referred to the island or a local polity; over time it retained that geographic meaning and came to be widely used internationally as the name of the tourist destination and cultural region.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an island and province of Indonesia in the Lesser Sunda Islands, known for its beaches, temples, traditional arts, and tourism.
Many tourists travel to Bali every year.
Noun 2
a name of several legendary or historical rulers in South and Southeast Asian traditions (e.g., the Asura king Bali/Mahabali in Hindu mythology).
In some stories, Bali is a generous king who is rewarded by the gods.
Last updated: 2026/01/05 09:08