Theravada

noun

Ther·​a·​va·​da ˌther-ə-ˈvä-də How to pronounce Theravada (audio)
: a conservative branch of Buddhism comprising sects chiefly in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia and adhering to the original Pali scriptures alone and to the nontheistic ideal of nirvana for a limited select number compare mahayana

Examples of Theravada in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Though they are most comprehensively delineated in the Theravada Buddhism school of Southeast Asia, the jhanas predate the Buddha and find parallels across contemplative traditions, from Carmelite nuns to Sufi mystics. By Naina Bajekal / Applegate, Calif., TIME, 7 Aug. 2024 In Theravada Buddhism, these events are known as nirodha and represent an important meditative endpoint. Matthew D. Sacchet, Scientific American, 25 June 2024 This Pink Moon marks Bak Poya, a national holiday in Sri Lanka honoring Buddha's second visit to the island, and Theravada New Year for Theravada Buddhists. Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press, 23 Apr. 2024 The sangha, as the clergy is collectively referred to in Theravada Buddhism, has historically exercised political power from behind the scenes, embodying a broad form of religious nationalism. William McGowan, Foreign Affairs, 2 Aug. 2012 Within these countries there is a rich diversity of traditions in Theravada Buddhism. Brooke Schedneck, The Conversation, 31 May 2023 The Indian religious influences also are more southern than northern, manifesting in the southern forms of Shaivite Hinduism and Sri Lankan Theravada Buddhism. Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 23 July 2011

Word History

Etymology

Pali theravāda, literally, doctrine of the elders

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Theravada was in 1836

Dictionary Entries Near Theravada

Cite this Entry

“Theravada.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Theravada. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on Theravada

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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