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
From the M-W Editors
Recent Examples of mandala from the Web
-
Those who attend will be able to paint ladybugs and mandalas.
-
A mandala is an abstract design, usually circular in form.
-
For my recent birthday, my best childhood girlfriends created a mandala for me out of wildflowers after a hike to the beach.
-
The studio and gallery will showcase Rodriguez's brightly colored artwork, ranging from layered abstracts to reflections of contemplation to studies of butterflies and bugs, mandalas and more.
-
Two girls, both under 5, began arranging the fruit into an elaborate mandala atop a wooden tray.
-
Artists like Samten use colored sands to create the mandalas, which serve as symbolic diagrams that represent the universe and are used as meditation tools.
-
A blast of spices marks the pickled cucumbers boiling in a pot of curry on their way to being stuffed with ground beef and rice, similar to the the mandala-like plates of yaprak, rice-and-beef stuffed rolled grape leaves.
-
Rodriguez, known for hanging mandalas, pictures and creating shrines as decorations during his dance parties, said his Dumpster piece incorporates all of that.
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
Learn More about mandala
-
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about mandala
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up mandala? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!