pranayama

noun

pra·​na·​ya·​ma ˌprä-nə-ˈyä-mə 

variants or less commonly pranayam

ˌprä-nə-ˈyäm 

plural pranayamas also pranayams

yoga

: yogic breath control or a technique used in yogic breath control

Held in a colonial-era convent in the heart of Old Havana, morning classes were devoted to asana, afternoons to yoga philosophy, evenings to pranayama.

—Fernando Pagés Ruiz

I detail here a powerful pranayam from the Sanatan Kriya, the regular practice of which will leave the body healthier, in balance and less susceptible to diseases.

—The News Chronicle (Nigeria)

Pranayama, also known as breath yoga, is a means of self-realization. It's also the focus of this 300-plus-page step-by-step guide to manipulating your breathing.

—Benjamin A. Bensadon

—often used before another noun

pranayama breathing

pranayama instruction

The class fits nicely into our work day and is a simple and convenient way for many of our 100 employees to be introduced to asana and pranayama practice.

—Tom Pilarzyk

Examples of pranayama in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

One study found that yoga breathing (pranayama) may improve heart health. —Amy Kwan, Verywell Health, 25 Feb. 2025

Then, build up to different pranayama exercises like breath of fire. —Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 1 Dec. 2024

Mixed in with the scientific consultations such as neurocognitive assessment and the corresponding transcranial electrical stimulation were the more alternative/natural pranayama breathing techniques, ginger compresses for stiff musclea and a shiatsu massage that was almost surgical. —Laurie Werner, Forbes, 14 Dec. 2024

Ujjayi Pranayama Ujjayi pranayama is also known as yogic breathing. —Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 1 Dec. 2024

Classes include a mix of asana (poses), pranayama (breathing exercises), and meditation and may be geared toward beginners. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 6 Oct. 2024

One small study found that breathwork, called pranayama, helped people deal with the pain.5 Breathwork also promotes relaxation. —Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 30 Sep. 2024

Then there’s the meditative aspect of yoga—particularly, the pranayama, or breath work. —Amy Marturana Winderl, SELF, 22 Apr. 2024

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

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Sanskrit prāṇāyāma-, from prāṇa- "breath, breath of life, prana " + āyāma- "stretching, extension," noun derivative from the verb base ā-yam- "stretch, lengthen," from ā- "near, toward" (going back to Indo-Iranian *ā-, of uncertain origin) + yam-, base of yacchati "(s/he) extends, offers, controls," aorist yamati, going back to Indo-Iranian yam- (whence Avestan -yasaiti "holds, takes away"), of uncertain origin

First Known Use

1811, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for pranayama

• katayama
• melodrama
• psychodrama
• agama
• bahama
• pajama
• ulama
• brahma
• chama
• comma
• dama
• drama