Brahman

¹

[ brah-muhn ]

noun

, Hinduism.

, plural Brah·mans.

1. Also a member of the highest, or priestly, class among the Hindus. Compare Kshatriya, Shudra, Vaisya.
2. Also the impersonal supreme being, the primal source and ultimate goal of all beings, with which Atman, when enlightened, knows itself to be identical.

Brahman

²

[ brey-muhn, brah- ]

noun

1. any of several breeds of Indian cattle, especially a grayish, heat-resistant American breed raised chiefly in the Gulf States.

Brahman

/ brɑːˈmænɪk; ˈbrɑːmən /

noun

1. Also called (esp formerly)Brahmin sometimes not capital a member of the highest or priestly caste in the Hindu caste system
2. Hinduism the ultimate and impersonal divine reality of the universe, from which all being originates and to which it returns
3. another name for Brahma 1

Derived Forms

• Brahmanic, adjective

Other Words From

• Brah·man·ic [brah-, man, -ik], Brah·man·i·cal adjective
• non-Brah·man·ic adjective
• non-Brah·man·i·cal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Brahman¹

First recorded in 1475–85; from Sanskrit brāhmaṇa Brahman ¹( fordef 1 ), brahman Brahman ¹( fordef 2 )

Origin of Brahman²

1935–40; special use of Brahman priest

Word History and Origins

Origin of Brahman¹

C14: from Sanskrit brāhmana , from brahman prayer

Example Sentences

A couple of Brahman cows stand in a field before it cuts to the Texas town’s historic downtown.

From Los Angeles Times

The supreme being from whom the universe emerged, Brahman, appears in the ancient sacred writings known as the Vedas without gender.

From Seattle Times

At Waterloo and elsewhere, Brahman herds are growing and being readied for the journey north.

From New York Times

Brahmans can better withstand the sun and are less susceptible to parasites than Angus, originally from Scotland and built with sturdy, low set black bodies made to survive harsh winters.

From Los Angeles Times

Mohabir must pretend to be Brahman, the highest, priestly caste, to enter the home of Brahman villagers.

From Washington Post