tantra

noun

tan·​tra ˈtən-trə How to pronounce tantra (audio)
ˈtän-,
ˈtan-
often capitalized
: one of the later Hindu or Buddhist scriptures dealing especially with techniques and rituals including meditative and sexual practices
also : the rituals or practices outlined in the tantra
tantric
ˈtən-trik How to pronounce tantra (audio)
ˈtän-
ˈtan-
adjective often capitalized
Tantrism
ˈtən-ˌtri-zəm How to pronounce tantra (audio)
ˈtän-
ˈtan-
noun
Tantrist
ˈtən-trist How to pronounce tantra (audio)
ˈtän-
ˈtan-
noun

Examples of tantra in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web And while popular forms of meditation and mindfulness — like yoga or tantra — are more likely to be called upon in moments of duress, there's another form of meditation that can easily be incorporated into every-day life. Jamie Ballard, Woman's Day, 22 July 2020 Dawn Cartwright, a SkyDancing Tantra instructor in Los Angeles, advises that beginners to tantra follow the below tips and tricks to fully commit to the tantra experience. Dana Hudepohl, Marie Claire, 17 May 2017 Gomez and Lovato — who began starring on the show in 2002 — likely did not cross paths with David Joyner, who played the lovable character between 1991 to 2001 and currently works as a tantra massage specialist and spiritual healer. Maria Pasquini, PEOPLE.com, 15 Feb. 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tantra.' 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, literally, warp, from tanoti he stretches, weaves; akin to Greek teinein to stretch — more at thin

First Known Use

1799, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tantra was in 1799

Dictionary Entries Near tantra

Cite this Entry

“Tantra.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tantra. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on tantra

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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