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.
See Examples For:
"The Tibetan lama said the main thing the orcas can teach us is how to breathe."
From Salon ● Aug. 23, 2024
“I need them by full moon,” the older lama says, adding that they will allow him to set things right.
From New York Times ● Feb. 8, 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
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
Unsure how to act in the company of a divine presence, this living reincarnation of an ancient and illustrious lama, I was terrified of unwittingly giving offense or committing some irredeemable faux pas.
From "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer
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
He was later confirmed by several other lamas as the eighth Terchen Taksham Rinpoche — the first one of whom was born under the name Taksham Nüden Dorje in 1655.
From Seattle Times ● Aug. 1, 2021
I was well into being a Buddhist, so when he left, I invited lamas to give teachings in his space, and it became a shrine room.
From New York Times ● Oct. 14, 2019
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 lamas broke into cries of approval at the sight of Chahda.
From The Caves of Fear by Goodwin, Harold L. (Harold Leland)
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.
