Savasana

noun

Sa·​va·​sa·​na shə-ˈvä-sə-nə How to pronounce Savasana (audio)
variants or Shavasana or less commonly savasana or shavasana
yoga
: a meditative posture in which one lies on one's back that is typically considered the final resting pose in yoga
Savasana is a pose of total relaxation—making it one of the most challenging.Yoga Journal

called also corpse pose

Examples of Savasana in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The microfiber fabric remains baby-soft, perfect for laying on during Savasana. Sarah Kester, Travel + Leisure, 16 Nov. 2023 After the breathing exercise, class ends with five minutes of Savasana, the Sanskrit name for the resting and restorative period when practitioners lie supine to relax, regroup, and calm the nervous system. Andi Breitowich, Men's Health, 1 May 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'Savasana.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Sanskrit śavāsana-, from śávaḥ "corpse" (perhaps noun derivative from the base of śváyati "it swells, grows") + āsanam asana — more at cyme

First Known Use

1918, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Savasana was in 1918

Dictionary Entries Near Savasana

Cite this Entry

“Savasana.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Savasana. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

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