Mehndi
/ˈmɛn.diː/noun
A temporary body-art design made by staining the skin with henna paste, especially in South Asian, Middle Eastern, and North African traditions.
Did you know?Mehndi is ultimately associated with Sanskrit mendhikā, the name for the henna plant, while its ceremonial use has long connected bodily ornament with auspiciousness and protection.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Sanskrit
Sanskrit
mendhikā
“A term associated with the henna plant, Lawsonia inermis.”
Middle Indo-Aryan
Prakrit
mehaṃdī
“A regional form referring to henna.”
Medieval period
Hindi-Urdu
mehendī
“Henna, especially its use for staining the hands and feet.”
19th–20th Century
English
mehndi
“A South Asian henna application or decorative body-art tradition.”
Modern English
English
mehndi
“Temporary henna body art, commonly associated with weddings and festivals.”