stupa

[stoo-puh]

noun

a monumental pile of earth or other material, in memory of Buddha or a Buddhist saint, and commemorating some event or marking a sacred spot.

Origin of stupa

First recorded in 1875–80, stupa is from the Sanskrit word stūpa

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for stupa

Historical Examples of stupa

Some authorities think that this stupa may be one of those erected over a portion of the Buddha's ashes after his funeral.
Hinduism and Buddhism, An Historical Sketch, Vol. 3 (of 3)
Charles Eliot
The one which is best preserved (or at any rate reproduced in greatest detail) is the Stupa of Rawak.
Hinduism and Buddhism, An Historical Sketch, Vol. 3 (of 3)
Charles Eliot
The usual manis lie along the road, and a large red chhorten or stupa has a touch of the Indian style.
Trans-Himalaya, Vol. 2 (of 2)
Sven Hedin
They come out of the monastery and walk three times round a stupa, offering incense and flowers.
Hinduism And Buddhism, Volume II. (of 3)
Charles Eliot
The stupa constantly emitted rays of glory, and by the side of it was a Naga tank.
Human Animals
Frank Hamel

British Dictionary definitions for stupa

stupa

noun

a domed edifice housing Buddhist or Jain relicsAlso called: tope

Word Origin for stupa

C19: from Sanskrit: dome

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012