✨📕 The NEWThe NEW Collegiate Dictionary, 12th Edition Over 5,000 words added — Buy Now! Collegiate DictionaryBuy Now!

Dalai Lama

noun

Da·​lai La·​ma ˌdä-lī-ˈlä-mə How to pronounce Dalai Lama (audio)
ˌdä-lā-
ˌda-
: the spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism

Examples of Dalai Lama in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Happiness is still possible, even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty, the Dalai Lama asserts in the new documentary Wisdom of Happiness. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 18 Nov. 2025 In October, while promoting the new documentary film Wisdom of Happiness — which Richard produced and which focuses on the teachings of the Dalai Lama — Richard opened up to PEOPLE about what he’s learned about joy as a longtime Buddhist. Brian Anthony Hernandez, PEOPLE, 16 Nov. 2025 Tait's focus on kindness was enough to convince the Dalai Lama to visit. Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 13 Nov. 2025 Competing against her in the same category is the Dalai Lama, another first-time nominee. Rebecca Cohen, NBC news, 7 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for Dalai Lama

Word History

Etymology

Mongolian dalai ocean

First Known Use

1698, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Dalai Lama was in 1698

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dalai Lama.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Dalai%20Lama. Accessed 29 Nov. 2025.

Biographical Definition

Dalai Lama

biographical name

Da·​lai La·​ma ˈdä-ˌlī-ˈlä-mə How to pronounce Dalai Lama (audio)
1935–     Tenzin Gyatso Tibetan religious and political leader

More from Merriam-Webster on Dalai Lama

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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