: Chinese monk depicted as a fat, jolly man and commonly known as "Laughing Buddha"

Word History

Etymology

Chinese Bùdài, literally, "cloth sack," which the figure conventionally carries

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Pu-tai was in 1899

Cite this Entry

“Pu-tai.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Pu-tai. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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