Dalai Lama

noun

Da·​lai La·​ma ˌdä-lī-ˈlä-mə How to pronounce Dalai Lama (audio)
ˌdä-lā-,
ˌda-
: the spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism

Examples of Dalai Lama 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.
The Dalai Lama, the highest spiritual leader and head of Tibetan Buddhism, talks directly to the camera about inner peace and happiness. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 17 Oct. 2025 Notable past laureates include Malala Yousafzai and Kailash Satyarthi (2014), President Barack Obama (2009), Nelson Mandela and F.W. de Klerk (1993), the Dalai Lama (1989), and Mother Teresa (1979), each honored for their enduring contributions to peace and justice. Shane Croucher, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025 Mother Theresa, the Dalai Lama and Malala Yousafzai are also all past winners. Kate Bartlett, NPR, 9 Oct. 2025 What would Gandhi, Mother Teresa, or the Dalai Lama say about the massacre at the Nova Music Festival? Ed Gaskin, Boston Herald, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for Dalai Lama

Word History

Etymology

Mongolian dalai ocean

First Known Use

1698, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Dalai Lama was in 1698

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Cite this Entry

“Dalai Lama.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Dalai%20Lama. Accessed 24 Oct. 2025.

Biographical Definition

Dalai Lama

biographical name

Da·​lai La·​ma ˈdä-ˌlī-ˈlä-mə How to pronounce Dalai Lama (audio)
1935–     Tenzin Gyatso Tibetan religious and political leader

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