chiefly British
: one's native land (such as England)

Examples of Blighty 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.
This suggests affection for Scorsese’s western ran wide but not deep among the Blighty contingent, consistent with their history of only embracing films about America’s racial ills when they’re directed by Brits. Vulture, 19 Jan. 2024 According to The Associated Press, more than 29,000 people have hit the shores of Blighty this year on small boats, after over 46,000 last year. Adam Shaw, Fox News, 8 Dec. 2023

Word History

Etymology

modification of Hindi & Urdu bilātī foreign, English, alteration of vilāyatī, from vilāyat province, realm, country beyond India, from Persian, dominion, province, from Arabic wilāya

First Known Use

circa 1901, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Blighty was circa 1901

Dictionary Entries Near Blighty

Cite this Entry

“Blighty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Blighty. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.

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