Bollywood

noun

Bol·​ly·​wood ˈbä-lē-ˌwu̇d How to pronounce Bollywood (audio)
: the movie industry in India

Examples of Bollywood in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Metro In Dino Closes First Weekend at $2.2 million The latest Bollywood release, Metro In Dino, had a decent start at the box office, earning a little above $500,000 in the Indian markets. Sweta Kaushal, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025 Abhishek Chinnappa / Getty Images Cultural performances were held throughout the morning, including from Bollywood playback singers, while messages from global leaders were read out. Reuters, NBC news, 6 July 2025 The show represents iHeartMedia’s strategic push into the Asian-Pacific market as Indian entertainment continues its global expansion. Bhatt, who has been a fixture in Indian creative culture for over three decades, will use the platform to provide an insider’s look at the Bollywood machine. Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 4 July 2025 South Asian House is launching its showcase at Flamingo Cantina, highlighting international South Asian artists and featuring Bollywood dancing and a live interactive painting. Mars Salazar, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for Bollywood

Word History

Etymology

Bombay (Mumbai), traditional center of the Indian film industry + Hollywood

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Bollywood was in 1969

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Cite this Entry

“Bollywood.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Bollywood. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.

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