India

communications code word

In·​dia ˈin-dē-ə How to pronounce India (audio)
used as a code word for the letter i

Word History

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of India was in 1952

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“India.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/India. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

Geographical Definition

India

geographical name

In·​dia ˈin-dē-ə How to pronounce India (audio)
1
large peninsular region that is usually referred to as a subcontinent and is located in southern Asia south of the Himalayas between the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea; occupied by the countries India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh and formerly often considered to include Burma (but not Ceylon)
2
those parts of the peninsula of India that until 1947 were under British rule or protection together with Baluchistan, the Andaman Islands, the Nicobar Islands and, prior to 1937, Burma
3
country comprising the major portion of the peninsula; a republic within the Commonwealth of Nations; until 1947 a part of the British Empire; capital New Delhi area 1,269,219 square miles (3,287,263 square kilometers), population 1,296,834,000

see also indian sense 1

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