ENGLISH
REFERENCE

lama

n. countable
C2 Proficiency US //ˈɫɑmə// UK //lˈɑːmɐ// lama Archaic

n. a teacher or priest in Tibetan Buddhism. The most famous example is the Dalai Lama, who is a very important spiritual leader.

n. a title for a teacher of the Dharma in Tibetan Buddhism. The term can be an honorific title for a monk or a high spiritual leader.


SIMPLE

The lama spent many hours in silent meditation.

CONTEXTUAL

After years of study at the monastery, he was finally recognized as a lama by his community.

COMPLEX

The visiting lama delivered a profound lecture on the nature of compassion, drawing hundreds of practitioners from across the region to the small mountain temple.

Usage

Often capitalized when used as a title before a name.

Pitfall

The lama has soft wool.The llama has soft wool.Learners often confuse the Buddhist teacher 'lama' with the South American animal 'llama'.

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