dharma

American  

[dahr-muh, duhr-] / ˈdɑr mə, ˈdʌr- /

noun

Hinduism, Buddhism.

1. essential quality or character, as of the cosmos or one's own nature.

2. conformity to religious law, custom, duty, or one's own quality or character.

3. virtue.

4. religion.

5. law, especially religious law.

6. the doctrine or teaching of the Buddha.

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dharma British  

/ ˈdɑːmə /

noun

1. Hinduism social custom regarded as a religious and moral duty

2. Hinduism

   1. the essential principle of the cosmos; natural law

   2. conduct that conforms with this

3. Buddhism ideal truth as set forth in the teaching of Buddha

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Other Word Forms

• dharmic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of dharma

1790–1800; < Sanskrit: custom, duty, akin to dhārayati holds, maintains

Example Sentences

All three medallists, Choi Ga-on, Kim Sang-kyum and Yu Seung-eun, are "Dharma Kids", having competed at the Dharma Snowboard Competition which the monk founded, his temple confirmed to AFP.

From Barron's • Feb. 14, 2026

Mr Singh later went on to join the Sati Dharma Raksha Samiti – a committee formed to valorise Kanwar’s immolation – and became its deputy chief.

From BBC • Oct. 18, 2024

"Members of the legislature are clearly irritated by the idea that they do not have the last word," said Creomar de Souza, at Dharma Political Risk consultancy in Brasilia.

From Reuters • Sep. 28, 2023

The temple also offers classes, both in person and online, as well as Dharma services.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2023

“What’re you going to do if you meet the Dharma Raja?”

From "Aru Shah and the End of Time" by Roshani Chokshi