ENGLISH
REFERENCE

swami

n. countable
C1 Advanced US //ˈswɑmi// UK //swˈɑːmi// swa·mi

n. a religious teacher or leader in the Hindu religion. People use this title to show respect for someone who has deep spiritual knowledge.

n. a title of respect for a Hindu religious teacher or ascetic who has been initiated into a religious order. Often used as a prefix before a name or as a direct form of address.


SIMPLE

The swami taught his students how to meditate.

CONTEXTUAL

After years of study in the monastery, he was given the title of swami by his teacher.

COMPLEX

The visiting swami delivered a series of lectures on the ancient texts, attracting followers from across the country who sought his spiritual guidance.

Origin

Borrowed from Hindi स्वामी (svāmī), from Sanskrit स्वामिन् (svāmín).

Usage

Often used as a title before a proper name, similar to 'Father' or 'Reverend'.

© 2026 English Reference