sari
UK[ˈsɑːri]US[ˈsɑːri]
n
a long piece of cloth that is wrapped around the body and worn as the main piece of clothing by women in South Asia
Etymology
The word 'sari' entered English in the late 18th century as a direct borrowing from Hindi, reflecting the cultural and trade exchanges of the British colonial period in India. Its ultimate source is the Sanskrit word 'śāṭī', which broadly referred to a piece of cloth or a woman's garment. The term's journey into English demonstrates a classic pattern of lexical borrowing, where a culturally specific item retains its indigenous name. The modern English meaning has narrowed to refer specifically to the traditional draped garment worn by women in the Indian subcontinent, preserving the core concept of a length of cloth used as attire.
Analysis
This word is a direct loanword from Hindi (साड़ी, sāṛī), which in turn derives from Sanskrit शाटी (śāṭī), meaning a strip of cloth or a garment.
Examples
She looked elegant in a silk sari embroidered with gold thread.
The shop displayed a vibrant collection of saris in every color imaginable.
Wearing a sari requires practice to drape it correctly.