Lama is a noun used for a spiritual teacher in Tibetan Buddhism. Looking for lama synonyms, definitions, related words, or sentence examples? The lists below explain which alternatives fit and where their meanings differ.
Definitions
A lama is a Buddhist spiritual teacher, particularly in the Tibetan tradition. The word also appears in religious titles such as Dalai Lama and Panchen Lama. A lama is not necessarily an ordained monk.
Part of speech: noun. Plural: lamas.
Synonyms
Similar meaning
The closest alternatives describe a teacher’s spiritual role. Broader religious terms may fit a particular sentence, but they are not always interchangeable with lama.
- Tibetan Buddhist teacher — a precise descriptive alternative.
- Spiritual teacher — a broader expression that does not specify a tradition.
- Spiritual guide — emphasizes guidance in religious practice.
- Guru — a related term for a spiritual teacher.
- Buddhist monk — appropriate only when the lama is also a monk.
- Cleric — a broader religious designation.
- Buddhist priest — a loose description found in some English usage.
Words such as friar, rector, vicar, and father confessor describe other religious roles. They should not normally replace lama.
Antonyms
Opposite meaning
Lama has no exact everyday antonym. The following words can express a contrast in particular contexts, rather than a direct opposite.
- Layperson / layman — someone outside the clergy; this contrast has limits because some lamas are lay teachers.
- Student / disciple — contrasts with the teacher’s role in a teaching relationship.
- Secular — an adjective describing something nonreligious, not a direct noun replacement.
Atheist is not a reliable antonym for lama: belief in a creator god and the role of a Buddhist teacher are different questions.
Related Words
Common usage
- Tibetan Buddhism
- Dalai Lama
- Panchen Lama
- Buddhist teachings
- Meditation
- Compassion
- Monastery
- Disciple
Sentence Examples
Proper usage in context
These original examples show how to use lama in English:
- The lama spoke to the students about compassion.
- She asked her lama for guidance on meditation.
- A visiting lama gave a public teaching at the Buddhist center.
- The students listened carefully as the lama explained the text.
- Several lamas attended the ceremony.
Lama vs. Llama
In ordinary English, lama refers to a religious teacher, while llama refers to the South American animal. They are not synonyms. The capitalized, italicized word Lama also occurs as a scientific genus name, which is a separate use.
Compare: “The lama taught meditation.” / “The llama grazed in the field.”