Mahayana

Ma·ha·ya·na

noun \ˌmä-hə-ˈyä-nə\

Definition of MAHAYANA

: a liberal and theistic branch of Buddhism comprising sects chiefly in China and Japan, recognizing a large body of scripture in addition to the Pali canon, and teaching social concern and universal salvation — compare theravada

— Ma·ha·ya·nist \-ˈyä-nist\ noun or adjective

— Ma·ha·ya·nis·tic \-yä-ˈnis-tik\ adjective

Origin of MAHAYANA

Sanskrit mahāyāna, literally, great vehicle

First Known Use: 1855

Rhymes with MAHAYANA

belladonna, French Guiana, Haryana, Hinayana, hiragana, ikebana, Ludhiana, marijuana, parmigiana, pozzolana, prima donna, Rajputana, Rosh Hashanah