mandala

noun man·da·la \ ˈmən-də-lə \

Definition of mandala

1 : a Hindu or Buddhist graphic symbol of the universe; specifically : a circle enclosing a square with a deity on each side that is used chiefly as an aid to meditation

2 : a graphic and often symbolic pattern usually in the form of a circle divided into four separate sections or bearing a multiple projection of an image

—

mandalic

play \ˌmən-ˈda-lik\ adjective

Recent Examples of mandala from the Web

The Black-ish actor arrived at the 2018 Golden Globes in what appeared to be a black silk kurta pyjamas, a traditional garment that originated on the Indian subcontinent consisting of a long top over loose trousers, his embroidered with mandalas.

— sam reed, The Hollywood Reporter, "Laurence Fishburne Recycled His Golden Globes Look for the NAACP Awards," 16 Jan. 2018
Its series of buildings and outdoor walls range across several acres of former farmland, blanketed with vivid paintings of crosses, Buddhist mandalas and astral beings—many with coneheads and multihued complexions.

— cameron mcwhirter, WSJ, "A Weird and Wonderful Art Tour of the Deep South," 14 Dec. 2017
But to Tadeus the encounters represent the concentric circles on a mandala, a symbol of wholeness in Indian philosophy.

— sam sacks, WSJ, "The Best New Fiction," 1 Sep. 2017
Those who attend will be able to paint ladybugs and mandalas.

— Courant Community, "Community News For The West Hartford Edition," 25 July 2017
All are invited to watch this authentic visual art project take shape day by day and attend the special events and lectures that are part of the mandala project.

— gerri marmer, Washington Post, "Religion events from around the Washington area," 18 Aug. 2017
Mandalas are sacred circles consisting of geometric shapes with no beginning or end.

— michelle jenkins, idahostatesman, "Made your eclipse plans yet? Here are suggestions, plus more August fun.," 28 July 2017
Those who attend will be able to paint ladybugs and mandalas.

— Courant Community, "Community News For The West Hartford Edition," 25 July 2017
Those who attend will be able to paint ladybugs and mandalas.

— Courant Community, "Community News for the West Hartford Edition," 17 July 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of mandala

Sanskrit maṇḍala circle

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1859

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

Other Fine Arts Terms

Gothic, baroque, bas-relief, limn, oeuvre, pastiche, rococo, sfumato

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mandala

Definition of mandala

mandalic

Recent Examples of mandala from the Web

Origin and Etymology of mandala

Other Fine Arts Terms

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Definition of mandala

mandalic

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Origin and Etymology of mandala

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