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stupa

noun

stu·​pa ˈstü-pə How to pronounce stupa (audio)
: a usually dome-shaped structure (such as a mound) serving as a Buddhist shrine

Illustration of stupa

Illustration of stupa

Examples of stupa in a Sentence

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.
In all, there are 16 stupas that hold the remains of Cambodian kings. Lilit Marcus, CNN Money, 27 Nov. 2025 While the frequent visits from Portuguese, Dutch, British and Indian peoples is reflected in the various churches, Hindu temples, colonial mansions, Buddhist stupas the food has been heavily impacted. Alissa Fitzgerald, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025 The site’s first stupa was likely built at the time of the Buddha’s death around 400 B.C.E., per Sotheby’s. Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 May 2025 The stupa, a Buddhist structure, is one of the oldest forms of sacred architecture on Earth. Roger Naylor, The Arizona Republic, 18 Oct. 2024 See All Example Sentences for stupa

Word History

Etymology

Sanskrit stūpa

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stupa was in 1841

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stupa.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stupa. Accessed 1 Dec. 2025.

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