NYT Dictionary

PAGODA

/pəˈɡoʊ.də/
Nounpa-GO-dapa-go-da · 3 syllablesGrade 7

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024, 2025

Meaning

A Hindu temple.

Etymology

Origin: Sanskrit

From Portuguese pagode (“Hindu temple, Hindu idol, pagoda coin”), from any of various Dravidian languages' words of respectful address to Hindu gods and idols and their temples, including Malayalam പകോതി (pakōti, “Durga temple”), Kannada, and Tamil பகவதி (pakavati, “Durga, Parvati”), possibly corrupted under the influence of Portuguese pagão (“pagan”), all ultimately from Sanskrit भगवती (bhagavatī, “Holy One, used for goddesses”). Previously but mistakenly connected with various other languages from Persia to China.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

alcovebarbicanbelfrybelvederecampanilecolossuscolumncupoladerrickdome

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 4 recorded puzzles:

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