Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

choli

noun
cho·​li | \ ˈchōlē\
plural -s

Definition of choli

: a short-sleeved bodice with a very low neckline worn especially in India

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for choli

Hindi colī, from Sanskrit cola, coḍa, probably of Dravidian origin; akin to Tamil coli bark, Malayalam toli

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about choli

Statistics for choli

Look-up Popularity

Comments on choli

What made you want to look up choli? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

intoxicate

Listen to the pronounciation of intoxicate

to affect and impair by alcohol or a drug

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Words from Greek and Latin Quiz

  • roman forum
  • Which of the following months comes from a Latin word for “ten”?
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
SCRABBLE® Sprint

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games