1
Yoga : a Hindu theistic philosophy teaching the suppression of all activity of body, mind, and will in order that the self may realize its distinction from them and attain liberation
2
: a system of physical postures, breathing techniques, and sometimes meditation derived from Yoga but often practiced independently especially in Western cultures to promote physical and emotional well-being
yogic adjective
often Yogic

Examples of yoga 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.
Before visiting, be sure to check the events program at Komün, an outdoor space on the Paket Postanesi terrace hosting yoga sessions, live performances, and discussions. Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Aug. 2026 Melissa Leach, a certified yoga instructor and strength and conditioning coach in Philadelphia, said a strong core provides a foundation for both exercise and everyday movement. Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 9 Aug. 2026 My fellow guests are largely Lycra-clad and yoga-ready or wearing the resort’s fluffy robes to wander its halls, and more than half will return for a repeat visit within 18 months, one of the staffers tells me. Mark Ellwood, Robb Report, 8 Aug. 2026 That could mean doing a free yoga class, for example, seeing what events your local library has to offer or even joining a Dungeons & Dragons group. Gili Malinsky, CNBC, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for yoga

Word History

Etymology

Sanskrit, literally, yoking, from yunakti he yokes; akin to Latin jungere to join — more at yoke

First Known Use

1785, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of yoga was in 1785

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Yoga.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/yoga. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

Kids Definition

1
capitalized : a Hindu philosophy teaching that by holding back the activity of one's body, mind, and will one can know one's true self and be free
2
: a system of exercises for gaining bodily or mental control and well-being

Medical Definition

1
capitalized : a Hindu theistic philosophy teaching the suppression of all activity of body, mind, and will in order that the self may realize its distinction from them and attain liberation
2
: a system of physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation derived from Yoga but often practiced independently especially in Western cultures to promote bodily or mental control and well-being see hatha yoga

More from Merriam-Webster on yoga

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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