arhat

noun

ar·​hat ˈär-(ˌ)hət How to pronounce arhat (audio)
: a Buddhist who has reached the stage of enlightenment
arhatship noun

Word History

Etymology

Sanskrit, from present participle of arhati he deserves; akin to Greek alphein to gain

First Known Use

1809, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of arhat was in 1809

Dictionary Entries Near arhat

Cite this Entry

“Arhat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/arhat. Accessed 17 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on arhat

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!