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Definition of desi

desi

/ˈdeɪ.si/
de · si

Plural:desis
•
Adjective:desi
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desi Lexical Profile

desi Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Of, relating to, or characteristic of South Asia (especially India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh), its people, or their diaspora culture.

Example

"The festival celebrated contemporary desi music, film, and culinary traditions."


2

Local, indigenous, or unadulterated, especially with reference to traditional South Asian food, agricultural produce, or livestock (such as desi ghee).

Example

"Many home cooks prefer using desi ghee made from traditional cow's milk for its rich aroma."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for desi

• noun

1

A person of South Asian birth or descent, especially one from India, Pakistan, or Bangladesh living abroad.

Example

"Second-generation desis in London and New York have created vibrant artistic communities."

• Rhymes for desi

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Hindustani desī ('local, native, indigenous'), derived from Sanskrit deśīya, from deśa ('region, country, homeland').

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Desi. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/desi
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