lama
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Noun Inflected Forms
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.
Writers face imprisonment, including Tibetan author Gangkye Drubpa Kyab, who is serving a 14-year sentence for “inciting separatism” and was previously imprisoned for displaying a photograph of the Dalai Lama.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 28, 2026
A longtime supporter of Tibet and a convert to Buddhism, Gere has frequently met the Dalai Lama, the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader accused by China of stoking separatism in the Himalayan region.
From Barron's • Jun. 2, 2026
In the interview, Rai said his favourite portrait subject was the Dalai Lama, describing the "intensity and spiritual energy" he brings to a frame.
From BBC • Apr. 27, 2026
In Tibet, the authorities have arrested monks, and taken control of monasteries to ensure they do not worship the Dalai Lama.
From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026
There are at least two possibilities: • “Who do you think I saw the other day?” the Dalai Lama said.
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.
