sutra
noun
\
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
Examples of sutra in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Soon after the movie opens, he is entrusted to copy a Buddhist sutra (a dialogue or sermon) that can liberate souls stuck in limbo. — Manohla Dargis, New York Times, "Review: ‘Legend of the Mountain,’ a Magical Mystery Marathon in Ancient China," 1 Feb. 2018 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 July 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 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 2017These 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.
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on sutra
What made you want to look up sutra? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Great Scrabble Words—A Quiz
-
- Which of the following Q-without-U words means the number five in cards or dice?
Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
-
Great Scrabble Words—A Quiz
Words to improve your Scrabble game
Take the quiz -
Which Came First? Quiz
Do you know which word is older?
Take the quiz -
Name That Thing
Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!
Take the quiz -
Citation
Do you know the person or title these quotes describe?
Play the game
Share sutra
Resources for sutra