Dalai Lama

American  

[dah-lahy lah-muh] / ˈdɑ laɪ ˈlɑ mə /

noun

1. (formerly) the ruler and chief monk of Tibet, believed to be a reincarnation of Avalokitesvara and sought for among newborn children after the death of the preceding Dalai Lama.

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Dalai Lama British  

/ ˈdælaɪ ˈlɑːmə /

noun

1. (until 1959) the chief lama and ruler of Tibet

2. born 1935, the 14th holder of this office (1940), who fled to India (1959): Nobel peace prize 1989

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Etymology

Origin of Dalai Lama

From Mongolian, equivalent to dalai “ocean” + lama “a celibate priest”

Example Sentences

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

The Dalai Lama won a Grammy for audio, narration and storytelling for his audiobook "Meditations: The Reflections of His Holiness the Dalai Lama".

From Barron's • Feb. 2, 2026

Many see the vote as the most consequential democratic moment for them since their revered Buddhist spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama -- who celebrated his 90th birthday last year -- fled Chinese rule in 1959.

From Barron's • Feb. 1, 2026

It's the first time a Dalai Lama has received a Grammy nomination.

From BBC • Jan. 31, 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