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.
Thurman created Tibet House US in 1986 alongside his wife, Buddhist actor Richard Gere and Buddhist pianist Philip Glass, at the Dalai Lama's request. Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 17 June 2026 The Dalai Lama cut a lock of Dorje's hair in a ceremony. CBS News, 28 May 2026 China does not recognize the Central Tibetan Administration and hasn’t held dialogue with the Dalai Lama's representatives since 2010. ABC News, 27 May 2026 Rai worked at India Today for about ten years, shooting luminaries such as Mother Teresa, the director Satyajit Ray, and the Dalai Lama, who remained a friend for decades. Taran Dugal, New Yorker, 23 May 2026 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dalai Lama.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Dalai%20Lama. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on Dalai Lama

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster