lama

American  

[lah-muh] / ˈlɑ mə /

noun

1. a priest or monk in Lamaism.

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lama British  

/ ˈlɑːmə /

noun

1. a priest or monk of Lamaism

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lama Cultural  

1. In the Buddhism of Tibet, a monk or priest. The chief of the lamas is the Dalai Lama.

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Etymology

Origin of lama

1645–55; < Tibetan lama (spelling bla ma ) literally, superior one (in Tibetan applied only to monks of high rank)

Example Sentences

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

“I need them by full moon,” the older lama says, adding that they will allow him to set things right.

From New York Times

Nowadays, the landlocked nation sandwiched between Russia and China is overwhelmingly Buddhist, with traditional links to Tibet’s leading lamas, including the Dalai Lama.

From Seattle Times

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

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

Related Words

• cleric
• elder
• father
• friar
• monk
• preacher
• rector