lingam

[ ling-guhm ]

noun

1. Sanskrit Grammar. the masculine gender.
2. (in popular Hinduism) a phallus, symbol of Siva.

lingam

/ ˈlɪŋɡəm; ˈlɪŋɡə /

noun

1. (in Sanskrit grammar) the masculine gender
2. 1. the Hindu phallic image of the god Siva
   2. the penis

Word History and Origins

Origin of lingam¹

From the Sanskrit word liṅga mark, gender, phallus

Word History and Origins

Origin of lingam¹

C18: from Sanskrit

Example Sentences

They patrol the Hindu crowds, who line up in saffron-color robes beside the temple to make their offerings of milk, sometimes mixed with honey, to the simple stone lingam that is the symbol of Shiva.

From New York Times

Yet in the midst of her pain she could still think of me, and one day she beckoned me near and placed in my hand a small stone lingam, symbol of fertility.

From Literature

But some of the fabric pieces feature interlacing forms that resemble plush versions of yoni and lingam, the sacred Hindu embodiment of female and male.

From Washington Post

The builders of Vat Phou had noticed this and proclaimed it a natural lingam of Shiva.

From New York Times

Every courtyard, every temple, every time you turn around you’ll see a lingam.

From Salon