1
Yoga : 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 adjective
often Yogic

Examples of yoga in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Bryant, their older son, is an engineer for SpaceX, while their daughter, Holly, is an elementary school teacher and yoga instructor. Joseph Person, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026 On board, energize with yoga on deck, or catch a Movie Under the Stars® snuggled up in a blanket with popcorn. Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Sep. 2026 Another shows her bending over backwards in a yoga pose as the sun goes down behind her. Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 7 Sep. 2026 In its first few months, the park has hosted intimate jazz shows, Kemetic yoga classes, art workshops and album listening parties where artists like Childish Gambino and Vince Staples have performed. Kailyn Brown, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for yoga

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of yoga was in 1785

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Yoga.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/yoga. Accessed 10 Sep. 2026.

Kids Definition

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

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

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