yoga

noun

yo·​ga ˈyō-gə How to pronounce yoga (audio)
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
ˈyō-gik How to pronounce yoga (audio)
adjective
often Yogic

Examples of yoga 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.
The Brady Brunch, Celtic Calm yoga and Irish Comedy Show require visitors to buy an admission ticket to the festival separately. — Joseph Hernandez august 31, Kansas City Star, 31 Aug. 2026 Pilates or yoga class led by shefayoga Venice or Good Body Pilates studio instructors. — Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 Around 100 women and children are staying in a building normally used as a yoga center, repurposing the yoga mats to sleep on. — Bhadra Sharma, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026 For activity tracking, the watch records walking, running, cycling, swimming, yoga, HIIT, and other workouts. — Stackcommerce Team, PC Magazine, 29 Aug. 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

Phrases Containing yoga

Rhymes for yoga

See All Rhymes for yoga

Browse Nearby Words

yodeler
yoga
Yogacara
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Cite this Entry

“Yoga.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/yoga. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

yoga

noun
yo·​ga ˈyō-gə How to pronounce yoga (audio)
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

yoga

noun
yo·​ga ˈyō-gə How to pronounce yoga (audio)
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
yogic
-gik How to pronounce yoga (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on yoga

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about yoga

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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