Dalai Lama

noun

Da·​lai La·​ma ˌdä-lī-ˈlä-mə How to pronounce Dalai Lama (audio)
ˌdä-lā-,
ˌda-
: the spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism

Examples of Dalai Lama in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The most important figure in determining the new reincarnation of the Dalai Lama is the second-highest authority in the Gelug sect, the Panchen Lama. Timothy Nerozzi, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 12 Mar. 2025 Related article When the Dalai Lama dies, his reincarnation will be a religious crisis. Reuters, CNN, 11 Mar. 2025 During the visit, the Dalai Lama blessed a 3-foot-tall Bodhi tree for the campus. Lou Ponsi, Orange County Register, 11 Feb. 2025 Listen to this article San Diego FC coach Mikey Varas talks in calm and hushed tones, referencing Eastern philosophers ranging from the Dalai Lama to Vietnamese monk and peace activist Thich Nhat Hanh. Bryce Miller, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for Dalai Lama

Word History

Etymology

Mongolian dalai ocean

First Known Use

1698, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Dalai Lama was in 1698

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Cite this Entry

“Dalai Lama.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Dalai%20Lama. Accessed 16 Mar. 2025.

Biographical Definition

Dalai Lama

biographical name

Da·​lai La·​ma ˈdä-ˌlī-ˈlä-mə How to pronounce Dalai Lama (audio)
1935–     Tenzin Gyatso Tibetan religious and political leader

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