Balinese

[ bah-luh-neez, -nees, bal-uh- ]

adjective

1. of or relating to Bali, its people, or their language.

noun

, plural Ba·li·nese.

1. a native or inhabitant of Bali.
2. the language of Bali, an Indonesian language of the Austronesian family.

Usage Note

Balinese is used as a plural noun (a candidate favored by the Balinese ), but it's relatively rare as a singular noun (the candidate who is a Balinese ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of Balinese¹

First recorded in 1810–20; from Dutch Balinees, equivalent to Bali Bali + -n- connective + -ees -ese

Example Sentences

The team, which comprised musicologists, psychologists, linguists, evolutionary biologists and professional musicians, recorded songs in 55 languages, including Arabic, Balinese, Basque, Cherokee, Maori, Ukrainian and Yoruba.

From New York Times

Their December concert will feature Balinese gamelan, and in May, film and chamber music will combine to explore the connection between mothers and their children.

From Seattle Times

Still, I didn’t even learn the two most important words in Balinese — please and thank you.

From Seattle Times

At only 30, Maripaz has hands that fan and twist like a Balinese dancer’s, a wavering voice, and a stiff, awkward gait.

From New York Times

“And for them, it is probably not a big thing, but for Balinese, … it’s just an insult.”

From Washington Post