guru
noun
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In Hinduism, a guru is a personal spiritual teacher. In ancient India, knowledge of the Vedas (a body of liturgical literature) was transmitted orally from guru to pupil. The rise of the bhakti movement, which emphasizes the love of devotees for a personal god, further increased the importance of gurus, who were often looked on as living embodiments of spiritual truth and were identified with the deity. Gurus prescribe spiritual disciplines to their devotees, who follow their dictates in a tradition of service and obedience. Men or women may be gurus, though generally only men have established lineages.
Examples of guru in a Sentence
Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 6 Dec. 2025
This worldly Kerry accomplishment — and recognition by the British monarch — came about after Kerry stepped down as President Joe Biden’s green energy guru.
—Peter Lucas, Boston Herald, 4 Dec. 2025
Exploring the Art of Curation with Kelly Wearstler immerses guests in the creative process of design guru Kelly Wearstler.
—Jane Wooldridge, Miami Herald, 1 Dec. 2025
My other favorite picks include a Lululemon baseball hat that’s perfect for workouts and casual outfits, as well as this super pretty planter that’s perfect for the gardening guru in your friend group.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Nov. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Guru.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/guru. Accessed 8 Dec. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
from gurū, a word in Hindi (the major language in India) meaning "Hindu teacher or spiritual guide," derived from Sanskrit guru (adjective) "worthy of respect"
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