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.

Examples of guru in a Sentence

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
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.
Audun Amundsen’s documentary Click the Link Below, exploring the world of high-rolling digital marketing and lifestyle gurus, world premieres at the DocEdge festival in New Zealand this week and Deadline can reveal the trailer. Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 26 June 2025 The first five gurus, a succession of prophet-leaders, likely donned the seli topi, a woven cap worn by Hindus and Muslims and associated with humility and spiritual living. Manvir Singh, New Yorker, 21 June 2025 Real estate gurus said homebuying would pick up when inventory increased. Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 20 June 2025 Michael Fassbender plays the deceased Apple guru — a flawed, ruthless, but ultimately compassionate soul. Tim Grierson, Vulture, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for guru

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Hindi (or another Indo-Aryan vernacular language), borrowed from Sanskrit gurúḥ "highly respected person, teacher, spiritual guide," noun derivative of gurúḥ "heavy, weighty, venerable" — more at grave entry 2

First Known Use

1613, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of guru was in 1613

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Cite this Entry

“Guru.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/guru. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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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