lama

[ lah-muh ]

noun

1. a priest or monk in Lamaism.

lama

/ ˈlɑːmə /

noun

1. a priest or monk of Lamaism

lama

1. In the Buddhism of Tibet, a monk or priest . The chief of the lamas is the Dalai Lama.

Word History and Origins

Origin of lama¹

1645–55; < Tibetan lama (spelling bla ma ) literally, superior one (in Tibetan applied only to monks of high rank)

Word History and Origins

Origin of lama¹

C17: from Tibetan blama

Example Sentences

“It’s not like something that you shine a spotlight on and it disappears,” Lamas adds.

From Los Angeles Times

Lamas said in an email to The Times that he hadn’t “ever worked for that company.”

From Los Angeles Times

Lama also said the climbers’ traffic was normal and that most of her climb from the base camp to the summit went smoothly without any long halts.

From Seattle Times

Pushing herself to reach the summit before her competitor, Ms. Rzucidlo and Mr. Lama were caught in a separate avalanche and buried.

From New York Times

"When old or widowed women get money, they are respected more in their household. Pensions give them dignity," Choten Dhendup Lama, a senior official, said.

From BBC

Related Words

• cleric
• elder
• father
• friar
• monk
• preacher
• rector