lama
Americannoun
-
lamas
plural
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
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
East Asia - Introductory
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
East Asia - High School
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
See Examples For:
Nollman mainly plays slide guitar for whale species, but has worked with a wide range of other musicians, including a grammy-winning oboe player, violinists, percussionists, a chanting Tibetian lama and more.
From Salon ● Aug. 23, 2024
Fast-forward and The Times would chronicle the visit of a Tibetan lama reincarnate in 1995, the comings and goings of various rides, employee protests, the park’s pandemic closure, and price hikes.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 20, 2023
From death row he has created a wide circle of friends outside, published two books, become a beloved protégé of the Buddhist teacher Pema Chodron, read deeply and taken vows from a Tibetan lama.
From New York Times ● Apr. 22, 2022
According to Buddhist belief, the current Dalai Lama is a reincarnation of a past lama who decided to be reborn again to continue his important work, instead of moving on from the wheel of life.
From BBC ● Sep. 28, 2021
No, he thought. lama man, not a wolf.
From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin
In her story, Trifonova wrote that three Buddhist lamas stood up and began to walk around the coffins — as did the relatives.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 1, 2022
These guys, more than the anthropologists, the spies, the nation builders, the spiritual seekers or the cunning lamas who populate these pages, seem to exude true wisdom.
From New York Times ● Jan. 5, 2021
He was surprised to learn that lamas in a nearby monastery had a story of a great flood.
From Seattle Times ● Aug. 15, 2012
Tibet under Chinese rule, an intriging Chinese inspector cum gulag survivor, along with enchanting lamas and the hidden world of Tibetan Buddhism.
From The Guardian ● Jan. 1, 2011
The Grand Lama and many other lamas in Mongolia and Tibet assume the title of ‘Living Buddha.’
From The Fundamental Principles of Old and New World Civilizations by Zelia Nuttall
Random Word
Spin the wheel and learn a new word!
Get a wordDefinitions 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.
