name
Bengal
behng-GAWL
name
1
A historical and cultural region in South Asia, now split between the country of Bangladesh and the Indian state of West Bengal.
"Bengal has a rich literary tradition going back centuries."
noun
1
A short-haired breed of domestic cat with a distinctive spotted coat, developed in the United States by crossing with the Asian leopard cat.
"Their Bengal has the same striking rosette markings as a small leopard."
How to Use Bengal
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither the South Asian region, or the exotic-looking spotted cat breed named after it.
Word Forms
more Bengal comparative, Bengals plural, most Bengal superlative
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_____ has a rich literary tradition going back centuries.
Etymology
Via Portuguese Bengala, ultimately from a Persian and Bengali name linked to the old Vanga Kingdom.