enlightenment

noun

en·​light·​en·​ment in-ˈlī-tᵊn-mənt 

en-

1

: the act or means of enlightening : the state of being enlightened

2

Enlightenment : a philosophical movement of the 18th century marked by a rejection of traditional social, religious, and political ideas and an emphasis on rationalism

—used with the

3

Buddhism : a final blessed state marked by the absence of desire or suffering

Examples of enlightenment in a Sentence

the search for spiritual enlightenment

His comments failed to provide enlightenment.

the enlightenment of the public through education

Recent Examples on the Web

After all, Moses famously spent 40 days and 40 nights alone on Mount Sinai before receiving the 10 commandments from God, and Buddha meditated for 49 days under a Bodhi tree before reaching enlightenment. —Hannah Towey, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026

Flowers are symbolic in Buddhism and reflect core teachings, such as impermanence, enlightenment and interconnectedness. —Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026

The monks practice and teach Vipassana meditation, an ancient Indian technique taught by the Buddha as core to attaining enlightenment. —CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026

Aleys, at first, seems to be on a path toward personal enlightenment. —Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1621, in the meaning defined at sense 1