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.

---

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

---

Other Word Forms

• dharmic
  adjective

---

Etymology

Origin of dharma

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

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

dharma

This mirrors Hardy’s own relationship with the dharma is in his personal life in many ways, along with the relationship with his wife, JoAnna Hardy, a noted Buddhist meditation teacher.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 26, 2026

He says he "had very mixed feelings…given what had happened" but was driven by Hindu belief in dharma which he says involves "doing your duty".

From BBC ● Mar. 5, 2025

This means focussing on dharma, or the right way to act so that our larger, global communities can work.

From Salon ● Nov. 11, 2023

Sala differentiates between mindfulness, which she calls secular meditation, and dharma, which she teaches.

From Seattle Times ● Oct. 21, 2022

Since we thus rightly understand the truth, we can practise the means of liberation, can perform those actions which are in accordance with the dharma.

From A History of Indian Philosophy, Volume 1 by Surendranath Dasgupta

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---