Buddhism

noun

Bud·​dhism ˈbü-ˌdi-zəm How to pronounce Buddhism (audio) ˈbu̇- How to pronounce Buddhism (audio)
: a religion of eastern and central Asia growing out of the teaching of Siddhārtha Gautama that suffering is inherent in life and that one can be liberated from it by cultivating wisdom, virtue, and concentration
Buddhist
ˈbü-dist How to pronounce Buddhism (audio)
ˈbu̇-
noun or adjective
Buddhistic
bü-ˈdi-stik How to pronounce Buddhism (audio)
bu̇-
adjective

Examples of Buddhism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In Buddhism, happiness equates freedom from suffering, or Nirvana, which is achieved by understanding and ending the cycle of attachment and craving, which are seen as the root causes of suffering. — Cornelia C. Walther, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025 Ta Prohm, along with the head and torso of the statue, is an example of the Bayon style of art, which dates to the 12th and 13th centuries, when Buddhism became the official state religion of the Khmer Empire. — Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 Mar. 2025 After Piper announces plans to study Buddhism in Thailand for a year, Lochlan is visibly upset before heading out with Saxon for the Full Moon Party celebration. — Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 18 Mar. 2025 Zen Buddhism calls this shoshin, beginner’s mind, or the ability to see life with fresh eyes, free of preconceptions. — Colin Bedell, Them, 18 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for Buddhism

Word History

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Buddhism was in 1800

Phrases Containing Buddhism

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Buddhism
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Cite this Entry

“Buddhism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Buddhism. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

Buddhism

noun
Bud·​dhism ˈbü-ˌdiz-əm How to pronounce Buddhism (audio) ˈbu̇d-ˌiz- How to pronounce Buddhism (audio)
: a religion of eastern and central Asia growing out of the teaching of Gautama Buddha
Buddhist
ˈbüd-əst How to pronounce Buddhism (audio)
ˈbu̇d-
noun or adjective
Buddhistic
bü-ˈdis-tik How to pronounce Buddhism (audio)
bu̇-
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on Buddhism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Buddhism

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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