Bali

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Indonesian island east of Java known for its Hindu temples, rice terraces and tourist beaches
2. A tropical island in Indonesia, lying just east of Java and famous for its volcanoes and cultural traditions
3. The Indonesian island east of Java, a popular holiday destination noted for its Hindu culture and scenic landscapes

Etymology: The island name "Bali" is widely traced to a Sanskrit or Old Javanese source, but the most reliable account points to the Balinese language itself, where the name is associated with an ancient kingdom and its people. The word has also been linked to the Chinese name 八里 (Bālǐ), a transcription that appears in early Chinese records describing the island, which suggests the name was already in circulation in East Asian trade contacts long before European mapmakers reached Indonesian waters. The word is also connected to the Bali people, the Austronesian-speaking community whose culture centres on the island, and the same name is used for their tribe. Because the island's name is applied both to the land and to its people, English uses "Bali" in the same way for both the place and the ethnic group.