guru

noun

gu·​ru ˈgu̇r-(ˌ)ü How to pronounce guru (audio)
ˈgü-(ˌ)rü,
 also  gə-ˈrü
plural gurus
1
: a personal religious teacher and spiritual guide in Hinduism
2
a
: a teacher and especially intellectual guide in matters of fundamental concern
has been a guru to many young writers
b
: one who is an acknowledged leader or chief proponent
became the guru of the movement
c
: a person with knowledge or expertise : expert
a computer guru

Did you know?

In Hinduism, a guru is a personal spiritual teacher. In ancient India, knowledge of the Vedas (a body of liturgical literature) was transmitted orally from guru to pupil. The rise of the bhakti movement, which emphasizes the love of devotees for a personal god, further increased the importance of gurus, who were often looked on as living embodiments of spiritual truth and were identified with the deity. Gurus prescribe spiritual disciplines to their devotees, who follow their dictates in a tradition of service and obedience. Men or women may be gurus, though generally only men have established lineages.

Example Sentences

He has been a guru to many young writers. She's a self-proclaimed financial guru. Fitness gurus call it the hottest new exercise trend of the year.
Recent Examples on the Web The lifestyle guru and business maven is one of four stars posing on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit's 2023 issue (others include Megan Fox, Kim Petras and Brooks Nader). Dave Quinn, Peoplemag, 15 May 2023 Fisher is Taiwan Semiconductor’s largest guru shareholder with a 0.47% stake. Gurufocus, Forbes, 3 May 2023 His early career was on the other side of the steering wheel, first as a kart and sports car racer, and later as a team owner and motorsport marketing guru. Elana Scherr, Car and Driver, 29 Apr. 2023 However, the guru’s oddly harsh approach and occasionally inaccurate statements seem worthy of Rodrick’s questioning. Longreads, 21 Apr. 2023 Per ratings guru Jon Lewis at Sports Media Watch, the previous lows were a 3.1 rating in 2021 and 2022, and a viewership of 6.1 million in 2021. Chad Finn, BostonGlobe.com, 25 Feb. 2023 Their growth harkens back to St. Edward’s 22-year offensive line guru Dan Scanlon. Robert Fenbers, cleveland, 18 Jan. 2023 But club owner, self-help guru and cult leader Tedros (Tesfaye) takes to her, and the two develop a complex working and personal relationship. Charna Flam, Variety, 13 May 2023 Bernard is Citadel's tech guru—and the only agent who retains his memory after Manticore's big attack. Evan Romano, Men's Health, 28 Apr. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'guru.' 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

ultimately from Sanskrit guru, from guru, adjective, heavy, venerable — more at grieve

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of guru was in 1613

Dictionary Entries Near guru

Cite this Entry

“Guru.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/guru. Accessed 4 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

guru

noun
gu·​ru gə-ˈrü How to pronounce guru (audio)
ˈgu̇(ə)r-ü
1
: a personal religious teacher and spiritual guide in Hinduism
2
a
: a person that is generally recognized as a leader or teacher
b
: a person with knowledge and expertise : expert
Etymology

from gurū, a word in Hindi (the major language in India) meaning "Hindu teacher or spiritual guide," derived from Sanskrit guru (adjective) "worthy of respect"

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