Puglia

Part of speech: noun, proper noun

Definitions

1. A region in southeastern Italy known for its stunning coastline and rich agricultural land
2. An area famed for its unique trulli houses and historical cities such as Bari and Lecce
3. A picturesque province that showcases the cultural heritage and traditional cuisine of southern Italy

Etymology: Puglia is the Italian form of the name Apulia, the region occupying the heel of Italy's boot. The English name comes from Latin "Apulia", which is the same name in a Latin spelling, so the two forms are simply the English and Italian versions of one place name rather than separate words with different histories. The Latin name was applied to the region by the Romans, who used it for the area inhabited by the Apulians, a people whose language and identity predated Roman rule there. Its ultimate origin is uncertain, and the name has been connected with several proposed roots, none of which can be confirmed from the surviving evidence.

Synonyms: apulia, italian region, southern italy