asana

noun

asa·​na ˈä-sə-nə How to pronounce asana (audio)
: any of various yogic postures

Examples of asana in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Delve into the asanas of hatha yoga, the foundations of pranayama breathwork, and the sutras for a deeper understanding of the practice. Julia Eskins, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Feb. 2024 This asana relieves tension in the back, shoulders, and mind. Dulce Moncada, Glamour, 28 Sep. 2023 Tadasana Mountain pose is the basis for many other asanas. Dulce Moncada, Glamour, 11 Aug. 2023 More than just places to practice downward dog, studios that go beyond the physical aspects of asana such as Stone Wave Yoga — which hosts classes, pranayama workshops, farm meditation, and retreats — are on the rise as well. Lindsay Cohn, Travel + Leisure, 30 June 2023 In fact, the poses—or asanas—of yoga are part of a much larger umbrella designed to prepare you to be able to meditate and sit for hours, Brandenberg explains. Kylie Gilbert, Glamour, 22 June 2023 These yoga pants are designed to be gently supportive and super soft, as well as stretchy enough to both accommodate a changing bump and still move into some asanas. Rena Behar, Travel + Leisure, 27 Mar. 2023 These unisex yoga socks have grippy silicone bottoms and can even be used on regular floors for impromptu asanas on the road. Popular Science, 23 Apr. 2020 This virtual class combines Vinyasa flows with longer held asanas with the goal of building strength and flexibility. Robert Gant, Anchorage Daily News, 26 Mar. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'asana.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Sanskrit āsana manner of sitting, from āste he sits; akin to Greek hēsthai to sit, Hittite es-

First Known Use

1811, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of asana was in 1811

Dictionary Entries Near asana

Cite this Entry

“Asana.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asana. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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