mandala

noun

man·​da·​la ˈmən-də-lə How to pronounce mandala (audio)
1
: a Hindu or Buddhist graphic symbol of the universe
specifically : a circle enclosing a square with a deity on each side that is used chiefly as an aid to meditation
2
: a graphic and often symbolic pattern usually in the form of a circle divided into four separate sections or bearing a multiple projection of an image
mandalic adjective

Examples of mandala in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Interactive light sculpture: Speak a single-word vision of the future and watch as technology translates it into a pattern of light and color that shimmers across the structure, like a mandala, unique to each visitor. Phoebe Wall Howard, Detroit Free Press, 7 June 2024 While in Encinitas, the monks will construct a labor-intensive sand mandala at the Seaside Center of Spiritual Living, 1613 Lake Drive. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Nov. 2023 Craft a mandala Send the kids outside to collect an assortment of items, including leaves, flowers, and stones. Michelle Crouch, Parents, 14 Nov. 2023 The public is welcome to view the monks work on the mandala and ask questions. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Nov. 2023 See all Example Sentences for mandala 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mandala.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Sanskrit maṇḍala circle

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of mandala was in 1859

Dictionary Entries Near mandala

Cite this Entry

“Mandala.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mandala. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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