Buddha

noun

Bud·​dha ˈbü-də How to pronounce Buddha (audio) ˈbu̇- How to pronounce Buddha (audio)
1
: a person who has attained Buddhahood
2
: a representation of Siddhārtha Gautama

Examples of Buddha in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The Art Institute of Chicago (AIC) this week announced the return of Buddha Sheltered by the Serpent King Muchalinda to Nepal, acknowledging that the 12th-century sculpture was stolen from Guita Bahi in the Kathmandu Valley. Daniel Cassady For Artnews, Robb Report, 7 Mar. 2025 Ajanta’s caves are known for their vivid murals and Buddha statues, while Ellora is famed for its monolithic rock-cut architecture, notably the Kailasa Temple, which defies engineering logic. Shalbha Sarda, Architectural Digest, 4 Mar. 2025 Nagas also frequently appear, in sculpture, as temple guardians—a nod to the many-headed naga said to have sheltered Buddha during extended meditation. Judy Berman, TIME, 3 Mar. 2025 Among its more famous sites is Wat Mahathat, where a banyan tree has entwined a Buddha head within its roots. Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 2 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for Buddha

Word History

Etymology

Sanskrit, enlightened; akin to Sanskrit bodhi enlightenment — more at bid entry 1

First Known Use

1681, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Buddha was in 1681

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Cite this Entry

“Buddha.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Buddha. Accessed 11 Mar. 2025.

Biographical Definition

Buddha

biographical name

More from Merriam-Webster on Buddha

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