yoga

noun

yo·​ga ˈyō-gə 

1

capitalized : a Hindu theistic philosophy teaching the suppression of all activity of body, mind, and will in order that the self may realize its distinction from them and attain liberation

2

: a system of physical postures, breathing techniques, and sometimes meditation derived from Yoga but often practiced independently especially in Western cultures to promote physical and emotional well-being

yogic

ˈyō-gik 

adjective often capitalized

Examples of yoga in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

La Costa’s group fitness classes span everything from yoga, spin, and Pilates to power boxing, high intensity interval training, and cardiovascular boot camp. —Joe Yogerst, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025

Also making the top 25 are yoga (37 million), swimming (29 million), and wildlife viewing that requires considerable walking (21 million). —Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 14 Aug. 2025

Of course Lululemon has a top-tier thick yoga mat—its standard model is a longstanding SELF editor fave. —Sara Coughlin, SELF, 14 Aug. 2025

The shows still went on earlier this month at the historic Pickwick Theatre building in downtown Park Ridge despite a small fire in a yoga studio, according to authorities. —Elizabeth Owens-Schiele, Chicago Tribune, 11 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Sanskrit, literally, yoking, from yunakti he yokes; akin to Latin jungere to join — more at yoke

First Known Use

1785, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing yoga

• hatha yoga
• yoga pant
• yoga pants

Rhymes for yoga

• toga
• conestoga

Kids Definition

yoga

noun

yo·​ga ˈyō-gə 

1

capitalized : a Hindu philosophy teaching that by holding back the activity of one's body, mind, and will one can know one's true self and be free

2

: a system of exercises for gaining bodily or mental control and well-being

Medical Definition

yoga

noun

yo·​ga ˈyō-gə 

1

capitalized : a Hindu theistic philosophy teaching the suppression of all activity of body, mind, and will in order that the self may realize its distinction from them and attain liberation

2

: a system of physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation derived from Yoga but often practiced independently especially in Western cultures to promote bodily or mental control and well-being see hatha yoga

yogic

-gik 

adjective