lama

la-ma · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A title for a spiritual leader or teacher in Tibetan Buddhism.

  2. 2.

    A monk or priest in Tibetan Buddhism.

Forms

plural: lamas

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    Dalai Lama — The spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism.
  • •
    Panchen Lama — The second-highest-ranking lama in Tibetan Buddhism.

Related words

See also: Buddhism, Tibet, guru, monk
Synonyms: guru, monk, teacher

Etymology

From Tibetan bla-ma ("superior one"), equivalent to Sanskrit guru. Not to be confused with llama, the South American animal.