Dalai Lama

noun

Da·​lai La·​ma ˌdä-lī-ˈlä-mə How to pronounce Dalai Lama (audio)
ˌdä-lā-, 
ˌda-
: the spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism

Examples of Dalai Lama in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In 1959, the Dalai Lama fled Tibet through the Himalayas; a smokejumper designed a special high-altitude parachute to drop three hundred thousand Indian rupees to his escape party. — M. R. O’Connor, New Yorker, 31 Aug. 2026 Tenzin, born Barbara Emi, spent years as a Buddhist nun, studying under the Dalai Lama. — Christopher Cox, Vanity Fair, 26 Aug. 2026 The birthday celebration of Dalai Lama is held every year in Nepal, but within the boundaries of monasteries or schools and police keep a close watch. — ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026 Cheogyal recounted his story to CNN from that city, which has been the center of the Tibetan cause since the 14th Dalai Lama fled his home and established a government-in-exile there more than six decades ago. — CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for Dalai Lama

Word History

Etymology

Mongolian dalai ocean

First Known Use

1698, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Dalai Lama was in 1698

Rhymes for Dalai Lama

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Browse Nearby Words

dalag
Dalai Lama
dalapon
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Cite this Entry

“Dalai Lama.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Dalai%20Lama. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Biographical Definition

Dalai Lama

biographical name

Da·​lai La·​ma ˈdä-ˌlī-ˈlä-mə How to pronounce Dalai Lama (audio)
1935–     Tenzin Gyatso Tibetan religious and political leader

More from Merriam-Webster on Dalai Lama

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Dalai Lama

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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