lama
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of lama
1645–55; < Tibetan lama (spelling bla ma ) literally, superior one (in Tibetan applied only to monks of high rank)
Explanation
In Buddhism, a lama is a spiritual leader or teacher. The most famous lama in the world is the Dalai Lama. Some lamas, like the Dalai Lama, the highest spiritual leader in one school of Tibetan Buddhism, are born into their status. In fact, each Dalai Lama is believed to be a reincarnation of the previous Dalai Lama. Most lamas earn the title through a lifetime of teaching and spiritual work. The Tibetan root is blama, "high priest" or "guru." And while you might argue that a large, four-legged animal can be enlightened, don't confuse lama with llama.
Vocabulary lists containing lama
East Asia - Middle School
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East Asia - Introductory
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East Asia - High School
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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.
Gates ranked at the very top of a 2019 survey of public figures that people look up to—ahead of the Dalai Lama and Pope Francis.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 31, 2026
He was announced as the winner at the Grammys ceremony in Los Angeles for his book "Meditations: The Reflections of His Holiness the Dalai Lama".
From Barron's • Feb. 2, 2026
Last year the Dalai Lama confirmed plans to name a successor, which has caused further friction with China.
From BBC • Feb. 2, 2026
The Dalai Lama lives in exile in India and is known for his tireless campaign for greater autonomy for his Tibetan homeland, which Beijing says is an integral part of China.
From Barron's • Feb. 2, 2026
If you don’t believe me, try making sense out of this pile of words: Who do you think I saw the other day the Dalai Lama said my aunt Minnie.
From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
