Dalai Lama

noun

Da·​lai La·​ma ˌdä-lī-ˈlä-mə How to pronounce Dalai Lama (audio)
ˌdä-lā-,
ˌda-
: the spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism

Examples of Dalai Lama 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.
Jimmy Carter's Life in Photos Jason is one of many public figures who contributed inspiring stories to Vani's project at her request, including the Dalai Lama, Ireland's first woman president Mary Robinson, and business magnate Richard Branson. Greta Bjornson, People.com, 5 May 2025 But a more pressing concern for both Beijing and New Delhi is perhaps the inevitable passing of the 14th Dalai Lama, who turns 90 in July. Steven Jiang, CNN Money, 1 May 2025 Scorsese will introduce a special 35mm screening of Kundun, in honor of the 14th Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 29 Apr. 2025 Pope Francis 'dedicated himself to the service of others,' Dalai Lama says After taking a trip to Thailand in 2019, Francis welcomed a delegation of about 100 Buddhist monks from the Wat Phra Cetuphon temple in Bangkok in 2024, the Vatican News reported. N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for Dalai Lama

Word History

Etymology

Mongolian dalai ocean

First Known Use

1698, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Dalai Lama was in 1698

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Cite this Entry

“Dalai Lama.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Dalai%20Lama. Accessed 16 May. 2025.

Biographical Definition

Dalai Lama

biographical name

Da·​lai La·​ma ˈdä-ˌlī-ˈlä-mə How to pronounce Dalai Lama (audio)
1935–     Tenzin Gyatso Tibetan religious and political leader

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