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Balinese

American  
[bah-luh-neez, -nees, bal-uh-] / ˌbɑ ləˈniz, -ˈnis, ˌbæl ə- /

adjective

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


noun

plural

Balinese
  1. a native or inhabitant of Bali.

  2. the language of Bali, an Indonesian language of the Austronesian family.

Usage

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 ).

Etymology

Origin of Balinese

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"It's the Balinese Hindu culture that has created this myth of the place."

From BBC • Sep. 27, 2025

Local resentment is rising, with social media vigilantes putting misbehaving tourists on blast - even as the Balinese maintain their world-famous hospitality.

From BBC • Sep. 27, 2025

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 • May 15, 2024

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 • Oct. 17, 2023

She spread her sneakers far apart, toes pointing outward, and squatted like a Balinese dancer.

From "A Confederacy of Dunces" by John Kennedy Toole