Thali
/ˈtɑː.li/noun
An Indian meal served on a platter, typically consisting of several small dishes.
Did you know?The English word comes through Hindi thālī, while its Sanskrit ancestor sthālī could mean a dish, bowl, or cooking vessel—turning an entire meal into a single ritual presentation.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*steh₂-
“To stand or be firmly positioned”
Ancient Sanskrit
Sanskrit
sthāla
“A place, vessel, or receptacle”
Classical Sanskrit
Sanskrit
sthālī
“A dish, bowl, or cooking pot”
Medieval to Modern Hindi
Hindi
thālī
“A large plate or platter, especially one used for serving a meal”
20th Century
English
thali
“An Indian meal served on a platter with several accompanying dishes”