Buddhism

1 of 3

noun (1)

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

Buddhist

2 of 3

noun (2)

Bud·​dhist ˈbü-dist 

ˈbu̇-

plural -s

: an adherent of Buddhism

Buddhist

3 of 3

adjective

Bud·​dhist ˈbü-dist 

ˈbu̇-

variants or Buddhistic

(ˈ)bü-¦di-stik 

(ˈ)bu̇-

or less commonly Buddhistical

(ˈ)bü-¦di-sti-kəl, 

(ˈ)bu̇-

: of or relating to Buddha or Buddhism

Buddhistically

(ˈ)bü-¦di-sti-k(ə-)lē, 

(ˈ)bu̇-

adverb

Examples of Buddhism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Shugendō, a mix of Shintoism, Buddhism and Taoism, involves hiking in sacred mountains in order to attain spiritual enlightenment. — Catherine Heald, Travel + Leisure, 22 June 2026

The smiles, according to experts on Buddhism and Buddhist art, suggest a realization of truth, and the legs represent a transition into action, to liberate all sentient beings. — Anthony Kuhn, NPR, 11 June 2026

The Artist in Spiritual Relief In 1939, Eichenberg converted to Quakerism by way of Zen Buddhism, two years after his wife’s unexpected death. — Jessica George, JSTOR Daily, 27 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

Gautama Buddha + English -ist

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1800, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1793, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1811, 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