Bollywood

noun

Bol·​ly·​wood ˈbä-lē-ˌwu̇d How to pronounce Bollywood (audio)
: the movie industry in India

Examples of Bollywood in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Prime Focus Group has signed a deal with the Government of Maharashtra to create a $400M entertainment hub in the heart of Mumbai’s filmmaking industry, the home of Bollywood. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 2 May 2025 At India’s inaugural WAVES (World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit) in Mumbai, Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan highlighted the striking cultural similarities between Indian and Chinese audiences as a foundation for deeper collaboration between the two film industries. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 2 May 2025 Many sequences, especially the encounters between the cop and the thief are reminiscent of Dhoom - Bollywood’s most popular heist franchise. Sweta Kaushal, Forbes.com, 1 May 2025 That talent includes its flagship pair of artists: Bollywood mainstay and pop triple-threat Nora Fatehi and ascendant Indian singer-rapper King. Jason Lipshutz, Billboard, 22 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for Bollywood

Word History

Etymology

Bombay (Mumbai), traditional center of the Indian film industry + Hollywood

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Bollywood was in 1969

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Cite this Entry

“Bollywood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Bollywood. Accessed 6 May. 2025.

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