dharma

noun

dhar·​ma ˈdär-mə How to pronounce dharma (audio) ˈdər- How to pronounce dharma (audio)
1
Hinduism : an individual's duty fulfilled by observance of custom or law
2
Hinduism and Buddhism
a
: the basic principles of cosmic or individual existence : divine law
b
: conformity to one's duty and nature
dharmic
ˈdär-mik
ˈdər- How to pronounce dharma (audio)
adjective

Examples of dharma 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 concepts of karma, dharma, and the eternal dance between fate and choice are deeply embedded in Indian culture. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2025 It’s held every 210 days and marks the triumph of good over evil, dharma over adharma. Mark Ellwood, AFAR Media, 29 Sep. 2025 Undeniably, there are evocations of podhu-aram or sadharana dharma, a relatively universal code of ethics that is necessary to live in harmony with other human beings, with society, with nature. Literary Hub, 18 Aug. 2025 The more Prabhu schemes while praying in temples or on river banks, the more his political aspirations begin to feel like a dharma — a religious duty or calling — rather than simply an ulterior motive beneath a religious façade. Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 17 Feb. 2025 In the Hindu tradition, Prince Rama is seen as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and an embodiment of dharma or righteousness. Lizz Schumer, Good Housekeeping, 23 Sep. 2021 Each writer in this book mentions experiences practicing with different sanghas, or communities practicing the dharma (Buddhist teachings) together. NBC News, 16 Dec. 2020 And 16 months ago, the SF Dharma Collective formed in the former Against The Stream space on 23rd and Folsom, with dharma talks every night of the week. Michelle Villegas Threadgould, SFChronicle.com, 7 Feb. 2020 His morality is based on the apad dharma or the moral code during the time of crisis. Anand Neelakanthan, Quartz India, 20 Dec. 2019

Word History

Etymology

Sanskrit; akin to Latin firmus firm

First Known Use

1796, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dharma was in 1796

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Cite this Entry

“Dharma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dharma. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.

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