bayaderes
|ba-ya-dere|
🇺🇸
/ˌbaɪəˈdɛərz/
🇬🇧
/ˌbaɪəˈdeəz/
(bayadere)
Indian temple dancer
Etymology
'bayadere' originates from French, specifically the word 'bayadère', ultimately from Portuguese 'bailadeira', where 'bailar' meant 'to dance' (from Late Latin 'ballare').
'bayadere' changed from Portuguese 'bailadeira' into French 'bayadère' and eventually entered English as 'bayadere' (with plural forms such as 'bayaderes' or 'bayadères').
Initially, it meant 'female dancer' (in Portuguese/Spanish usage), and over time in European languages it came to be used specifically for Indian temple dancers and for figures in Orientalist art and ballet.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural form of 'bayadere' — female Indian temple dancers; also used for dancers depicted in 19th-century European ballet and art.
The bayaderes performed an elaborate ritual dance during the festival.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/01 06:12