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noun Uncommon

nirvana

neer-VAH-nuh

Nirvana (noun) means In Buddhism and Hinduism, the state of perfect peace reached by escaping suffering and desire. Example: “Monks meditate for years in pursuit of nirvana.”

noun
1
In Buddhism and Hinduism, the state of perfect peace reached by escaping suffering and desire.
"Monks meditate for years in pursuit of nirvana."
2
(informal) A state of complete happiness or contentment.
"Lying on the beach with nothing to do felt like pure nirvana."

How to use nirvana

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA spiritual state of total peace, or loosely, any blissful, worry-free feeling.

Word forms

nirvanas plural

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Monks meditate for years in pursuit of _____.

Etymology

From Sanskrit nirvāṇa, literally "blown out" or "extinguished," describing the snuffing out of craving and suffering.

Origin: Sanskrit

heaven paradise Eden enlightenment Shangri-la promised land

Related words

Rhymes for nirvana

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Frequently asked questions

What does “nirvana” mean?

The word “nirvana” means in Buddhism and Hinduism, the state of perfect peace reached by escaping suffering and desire. In plain terms, a spiritual state of total peace, or loosely, any blissful, worry-free feeling.

How do you pronounce “nirvana”?

“Nirvana” is pronounced neer-VAH-nuh (/nɪɹˈvɑ.nə/ in IPA).

How do you use “nirvana” in a sentence?

Here is “nirvana” used in a sentence: “Monks meditate for years in pursuit of nirvana.”

What part of speech is “nirvana”?

“Nirvana” is a noun.

Where does the word “nirvana” come from?

The word “nirvana” comes from Sanskrit. From Sanskrit nirvāṇa, literally "blown out" or "extinguished," describing the snuffing out of craving and suffering.

Is “nirvana” a common word?

“Nirvana” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “nirvana” have?

“Nirvana” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in Buddhism and Hinduism, the state of perfect peace reached by escaping suffering and desire.

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