Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

dhyana

noun
dhya·​na | \ dēˈänə, ˈdyä-\
plural -s

Definition of dhyana

1 Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism : meditation especially : an uninterrupted state of mental concentration upon a single object : higher contemplation
2 usually capitalized : a Mahayana school of Buddhism relying on meditation as a method of enlightenment — compare ch'an

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for dhyana

Sanskrit dhyāna, from dhyāti he thinks

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about dhyana

Dictionary Entries near dhyana

dhurra

dhurrie

dhurrin

dhyana

di-

DI

DIA

Statistics for dhyana

Look-up Popularity

Comments on dhyana

What made you want to look up dhyana? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

writhe

Listen to the pronounciation of writhe

to move or proceed with twists and turns

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Words from Greek and Latin Quiz

  • roman forum
  • Which of the following months comes from a Latin word for “ten”?
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games