Buddhism

noun

Bud·​dhism ˈbü-ˌdi-zəm  ˈbu̇- 

: a religion of eastern and central Asia growing out of the teaching of Siddhārtha Gautama that suffering is inherent in life and that one can be liberated from it by cultivating wisdom, virtue, and concentration

Buddhist

ˈbü-dist 

ˈbu̇-

noun or adjective

Buddhistic

bü-ˈdi-stik 

bu̇-

adjective

Examples of Buddhism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Recruitment, through ads and direct outreach to religious communities, proved difficult, especially for religions such as Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism; religious proscriptions against mind-altering substances may have played a role. —Michael Pollan, New Yorker, 19 May 2025

Just as Islam had once absorbed Greek philosophy, or Japan Buddhism, the Californian assimilation of Eastern religion was exhilarating. —Andrew Moore, New York Times, 15 May 2025

There were recently events on Buddhism, sacred geometry and the importance of design. —Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 15 May 2025

The tenets of Buddhism link elegantly with recovery. —Sierra Vandervort, Outside Online, 10 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing Buddhism

• Tibetan Buddhism

Kids Definition

Buddhism

noun

Bud·​dhism ˈbü-ˌdiz-əm  ˈbu̇d-ˌiz- 

: a religion of eastern and central Asia growing out of the teaching of Gautama Buddha

Buddhist

ˈbüd-əst 

ˈbu̇d-

noun or adjective

Buddhistic

bü-ˈdis-tik 

bu̇-

adjective