guru

noun

gu·​ru ˈgu̇r-(ˌ)ü 

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.

Synonyms

• ace
• adept
• artist
• authority
• cognoscente
• connoisseur
• crackerjack
• crackajack
• dab [chiefly British]
• dab hand [chiefly British]
• expert
• fiend
• geek
• hand
• hotshot
• maestro
• master
• maven
• mavin
• meister
• past master
• proficient
• scholar
• shark
• sharp
• virtuoso
• whiz
• wizard

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

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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

Kids Definition

guru

noun

gu·​ru gə-ˈrü 

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"