Theravada

noun

Ther·​a·​va·​da ˌther-ə-ˈvä-də How to pronounce Theravada (audio)
: a conservative branch of Buddhism comprising sects chiefly in Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia and adhering to the original Pali scriptures alone and to the nontheistic ideal of nirvana for a limited select number compare mahayana

Examples of Theravada in a Sentence

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The primary meditative practice here is a mindful Vipassana, or insight meditation, which is rooted in the Theravada tradition. — AFAR Media, 9 July 2025 Rooted in Brahman and Theravada Buddhist traditions, Day One is Moha Songkran, derived from the Sanskrit sangkranti, for movement or passage. — Jia H. Jung, Mercury News, 15 Apr. 2025 Participants in the 21-day program aim to reach the first of the four stages of enlightenment within Thai Theravada Buddhism. — Brooke Schedneck, The Conversation, 27 Mar. 2025 That night, two monks and a Theravada Buddhist priest conducted a chanting and blessing ceremony aboard The Jahan. — Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 11 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for Theravada

Word History

Etymology

Pali theravāda, literally, doctrine of the elders

First Known Use

1836, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Theravada was in 1836

Rhymes for Theravada

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Browse Nearby Words

the rat race
Theravada
Theravadin
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Cite this Entry

“Theravada.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Theravada. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on Theravada

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Theravada

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