Buddhism

noun

Bud·​dhism ˈbü-ˌdi-zəm  ˈbu̇- 

: a religion of eastern and central Asia growing out of the teaching of Siddhārtha Gautama that suffering is inherent in life and that one can be liberated from it by cultivating wisdom, virtue, and concentration

Buddhist

ˈbü-dist 

ˈbu̇-

noun or adjective

Buddhistic

bü-ˈdi-stik 

bu̇-

adjective

Examples of Buddhism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism marked the milestone with significant announcements about his future, including plans to reincarnate after death and hopes to live until age 130. —Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025

Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, is the spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism, which is estimated to have millions of followers across the world. —Britt Clennett, ABC News, 7 July 2025

For his part, the current Dalai Lama has made clear that any candidate appointed by Beijing will hold no legitimacy in the eyes of Tibetans or followers of Tibetan Buddhism. —Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 3 July 2025

The space itself is calming and approachable — even for people with no knowledge of Buddhism. —Lauren Costantino updated July 3, Miami Herald, 3 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing Buddhism

• Tibetan Buddhism

Kids Definition

Buddhism

noun

Bud·​dhism ˈbü-ˌdiz-əm  ˈbu̇d-ˌiz- 

: a religion of eastern and central Asia growing out of the teaching of Gautama Buddha

Buddhist

ˈbüd-əst 

ˈbu̇d-

noun or adjective

Buddhistic

bü-ˈdis-tik 

bu̇-

adjective