bodhi tree

noun

bo·dhi tree ˈbō-dē-

variants or Bodhi tree

plural bodhi trees or Bodhi trees

: peepul

Explore the stupas and temples at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed sacred city, Anuradhapura, which was built around a cutting of the Bodhi tree under which Buddha gained enlightenment in India.—

Angela Saurine

The pay-off comes gradually as you climb the steps … up past crumbling white stupas and bodhi trees, till you reach the summit …—

Jaime Ee

Word History

Etymology

Pali bodhi "awakening," going back to Sanskrit bodhiḥ, noun derivative from the base of bodhati "(s/he) wakes, is awake, observes" — more at bid entry 1

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of bodhi tree was in 1838

See more words from the same year