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

Located in the Berkshires, in Massachusetts, IMS has welcomed luminaries like the Dalai Lama to its grounds, which includes three dormitories and a forest retreat amid acres of well-maintained trails.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 23, 2026

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

Buddhist spiritual leader the Dalai Lama prayed as the leader of the elected goverment of Tibetans in exile was sworn in for a second term on Wednesday.

From Barron's • May 27, 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

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