Standard Lemma guide

mehndi

noun · 4 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • /ˈmɛndi/

1

noun

Meaning 1

A henna plant (Lawsonia inermis).

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: South-Asia, countable

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

The preparation of this plant used for dyeing.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: South-Asia, uncountable

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

noun

Meaning 3

A temporary skin decoration made with henna.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: South-Asia, uncountable

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: henna tattoo, mehendi

Antonyms: none provided

4

noun

Meaning 4

The practice of applying such decoration, typically as part of a bride or groom's preparations for a wedding.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: South-Asia, uncountable

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Borrowed from Hindustani मेहंदी (mehandī) / مہندی (mihandī), from Sanskrit मेन्धिका (mendhikā). First attested in the 19th century.