sutra

noun su·tra \ ˈsü-trə \

Definition of sutra

1 :a precept summarizing Vedic teaching; also :a collection of these precepts

2 :one of the discourses of the Buddha that constitute the basic text of Buddhist scripture

Recent Examples of sutra from the Web

The duo shifts from one circus-sutra position to the next in a show of statuesque strength, as looky-loos and their little-loos drink cocktails and sodas and gobble popcorn and candy.

— holly millea, Smithsonian, "Step Right Up! See the Reinvention of the Great American Circus!," 29 June 2017
The Hindu Hare Krishna chant, Tibetan monk chants, Buddhist sutras, prayers of Shamans from New Guinea or Mali, even American TV preachers are also available on the touch-screen display.

— kirsten grieshaber, chicagotribune.com, "German airport offers prayer booth in 65 languages," 8 May 2017
The Hindu Hare Krishna chant, Tibetan monk chants, Buddhist sutras, prayers of Shamans from New Guinea or Mali, even American TV preachers are also available on the touch-screen display.

— kirsten grieshaber, chicagotribune.com, "German airport offers prayer booth in 65 languages," 8 May 2017
The Hindu Hare Krishna chant, Tibetan monk chants, Buddhist sutras, prayers of Shamans from New Guinea or Mali, even American TV preachers are also available on the touch-screen display.

— kirsten grieshaber, chicagotribune.com, "German airport offers prayer booth in 65 languages," 8 May 2017
The Hindu Hare Krishna chant, Tibetan monk chants, Buddhist sutras, prayers of Shamans from New Guinea or Mali, even American TV preachers are also available on the touch-screen display.

— kirsten grieshaber, chicagotribune.com, "German airport offers prayer booth in 65 languages," 8 May 2017
The Hindu Hare Krishna chant, Tibetan monk chants, Buddhist sutras, prayers of Shamans from New Guinea or Mali, even American TV preachers are also available on the touch-screen display.

— kirsten grieshaber, chicagotribune.com, "German airport offers prayer booth in 65 languages," 8 May 2017
The Hindu Hare Krishna chant, Tibetan monk chants, Buddhist sutras, prayers of Shamans from New Guinea or Mali, even American TV preachers are also available on the touch-screen display.

— Washington Post, "German airport offers prayer booth in 65 languages," 5 May 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of sutra

Sanskrit sūtra precept, literally, thread; akin to Latin suere to sew — more at sew

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First Known Use: 1801

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