Skip to the word

Added 5 October 2026

dharma

/d̪hərm(ɑ)/ noun

noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about dharma at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

The natural order of the universe; natural law, cosmic order.
One's obligation in respect to one's position in society, or the universe; one's duty, societally or cosmically.
The teachings of the Buddha as one's personal path to enlightenment.

Origin

Learned borrowing from Sanskrit धर्म (dhárma, “that which upholds or supports”). The definitions pertaining to Buddhism are influenced by dhamma, a loan word from Pali. Doublet of dhamma and firm.

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

Back to today's word