ENGLISH
REFERENCE

dalai

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈdæˌɫeɪ// dalai

n. part of the title for the top spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism. It is almost always used with the word 'Lama'.

n. the first half of the title 'Dalai Lama', referring to the high priest and spiritual leader of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. Functions as a title or proper noun; almost never appears in isolation without 'Lama'.


SIMPLE

The Dalai Lama travels the world to speak about peace.

CONTEXTUAL

Followers of Tibetan Buddhism consider the Dalai Lama to be a reincarnation of a past spiritual leader.

COMPLEX

While the title Dalai Lama is widely recognized globally, the current holder of the position is also a significant figure in the history of Tibetan political and cultural identity.

Usage

Almost exclusively used as a modifier within the proper noun phrase 'Dalai Lama'.

© 2026 English Reference