karma

noun kar·ma \ ˈkär-mə also ˈkər- \

Definition of karma

1 often capitalized :the force generated by a person's actions held in Hinduism and Buddhism to perpetuate transmigration and in its ethical consequences to determine the nature of the person's next existence

2 :a characteristic emanation, aura, or spirit that infuses or vitalizes someone or something

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karmic

play \ˈkär-mik also ˈkər-\ adjective

See karma defined for English-language learners

Examples of karma in a Sentence

She believes that helping people produces good karma.
as the site of a string of failed businesses, the building definitely had bad karma

Recent Examples of karma from the Web

Sounds like a pretty rad way to cash in some good karma this week, no?

— kaleigh fasanella, Allure, "Tarte Is Giving Away a Lifetime Supply of Free Makeup — Here's How to Win," 28 Aug. 2017
The hobby lobby revelations are further proof karma is real and God has a sense of humor.

— Fox News, "Dem rep calls for criminal prosecution of Hobby Lobby boss over smuggled ancient tablets," 6 July 2017
Buy Photo ON THE VENTNOR/MARGATE BORDER – Margate’s bad dune karma has apparently kicked in once again.

— amy s. rosenberg, Philly.com, "About face: Army Corps halts dune work in Ventnor, now headed to Margate," 30 June 2017
Buy Photo ON THE VENTNOR/MARGATE BORDER – Margate’s bad dune karma has apparently kicked in once again.

— amy s. rosenberg, Philly.com, "About face: Army Corps halts dune work in Ventnor, now headed to Margate," 30 June 2017
Chinese believe in karma, which contributes to stabilizing society, rebuilding moral ethics and building people’s confidence.

— ian johnson and adam wu, New York Times, "A Buddhist Leader on China’s Spiritual Needs," 24 June 2017
Call it karma or coincidence, but Costes ended up reaching first base on a walk.

— jonas shaffer, baltimoresun.com, "After horrible call, Terps baseball coach doesn't hold back in caught-on-TV rant," 26 May 2017
Hats off to T Bone Burnett, who served as executive music director, and music director David Mansfield for delivering more than 90 minutes of instant tribute karma.

— cathy applefeld olson, Billboard, "David Duchovny, Corinne Bailey Rae, Judy Collins & More Honor John Lennon at Kennedy Center Gala," 9 May 2017
McFadden said, attributing the run-in to good karma after recently donating to a friend in need.

— Southern Living, "Jeff Foxworthy Did Something Amazing for a Fan in Need at Publix," 1 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'karma.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of karma

Sanskrit karma fate, work

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1827

See Words from the same year

karma Synonyms

Synonyms

air, ambience (or ambiance), aroma, atmosphere, climate, flavor, halo, aura, mood, nimbus, note, odor, patina, smell, temper, vibration (s)

Related Words

aureole (or aureola), mystique, romance; genius loci; feel, feeling, sensation, sense, spirit; attribute, character, characteristic, image, mark, notion, peculiarity, picture, property, trait; color, illusion, overtone, semblance, suggestion, tone

Other Religion (Eastern and Other) Terms

Zen, antinomian, avatar, gnosticism, illuminati, ineffable, koan, mantra

KARMA Defined for English Language Learners

karma

noun

Definition of karma for English Language Learners

: the force created by a person's actions that is believed in Hinduism and Buddhism to determine what that person's next life will be like
: the force created by a person's actions that some people believe causes good or bad things to happen to that person