CultureAugust 30, 2026

jaali

JAH-lee

Definition

An architectural element characterized by a perforated stone or lattice screen with an ornamental pattern.

Etymology

Derived from the Hindi word 'jali' (net), which comes from the Sanskrit 'jala' meaning net or web, referring to the decorative latticework common in Indo-Islamic architecture.

In the news

The word describes the intricate design on the watch dial, which mirrors traditional Indian perforated screens to connect the timepiece to local architectural heritage.

Tarun Tahiliani’s Phool Chadar collection with Nebula by Titan turns Indian wedding artistry into heirloom watches

Read the full article ↗

The New Indian Express

Related words

aggrandizement

The act of increasing one's own power, wealth, status, or importance, often in an…

Culture

ajrakh

A traditional form of block-printing characterized by intricate geometric and floral…

Culture

arpeggios

The playing of the notes of a musical chord in rapid succession rather than…

Culture

bestiary

A descriptive or illustrative book or catalog that provides information about various…

Culture

calabash

A percussion instrument or vessel made from the dried, hollowed-out shell of a gourd…

Culture

caseback

The back cover of a wristwatch case, which protects the inner movement and can often be…

Culture

Learn words like this every day

Meet new words every morning.

Newspoken pulls carefully chosen words from the day’s news — with clear definitions, context, and light review that makes them stick. Get it on your phone.