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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Dhamma, while originally a Buddhist spiritual concept (see Walpola Rahula's 1994 book What The Buddha Taught), can be applied as a practical, experiential leadership framework emphasizing ethical clarity, mindful awareness and harmonious decision making. Gamini Hewawasam, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025 Zoroaster, Shiva, Brahma, Solomon, Buddha: The names speak to gods, heavens and spirits. Tom Zoellner, AZCentral.com, 25 July 2025 Best Things to Do Kōtoku-in, selected by Travel + Leisure as one of Japan’s most stunning temples, is one of the biggest tourist draws in town, thanks to its 11-meter-tall bronze statue of Amitābha Buddha from the 13th century. Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 24 July 2025 There’s a location of Buddha Bar (one of four dining venues), a five-room spa, a kids’ playground, and a beach club. Chadner Navarro, Vogue, 16 July 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 5 Aug. 2025.

Biographical Definition

Buddha

biographical name

More from Merriam-Webster on Buddha

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