noun
sutra
SOOT-ruh
Sutra (noun) means a rule, aphorism, or short saying in Sanskrit texts on grammar, law, or philosophy. Example: “The scholar spent years studying the ancient grammatical sutras.”
noun
1
A rule, aphorism, or short saying in Sanskrit texts on grammar, law, or philosophy.
"The scholar spent years studying the ancient grammatical sutras."
2
A Buddhist scripture recording a teaching or discourse of the Buddha.
"Monks chanted a sutra during the morning ceremony."
How to use sutra
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA short, authoritative teaching or rule in Hindu or Buddhist tradition.
Common pairings
Buddhist sutra
recite a sutra
the Yoga Sutras
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Word forms
- Plural
- sutras
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The scholar spent years studying the ancient grammatical _____.
Etymology
From Sanskrit sutra, meaning "thread" or "string" — the same root gives us "suture" and "sew."
Frequently asked questions
What does “sutra” mean?
The word “sutra” means a rule, aphorism, or short saying in Sanskrit texts on grammar, law, or philosophy. In plain terms, a short, authoritative teaching or rule in Hindu or Buddhist tradition.
How do you pronounce “sutra”?
“Sutra” is pronounced SOOT-ruh (/ˈsuːtɹə/ in IPA).
How do you use “sutra” in a sentence?
Here is “sutra” used in a sentence: “The scholar spent years studying the ancient grammatical sutras.”
What part of speech is “sutra”?
“Sutra” is a noun.
Where does the word “sutra” come from?
The word “sutra” comes from Sanskrit. From Sanskrit sutra, meaning "thread" or "string" — the same root gives us "suture" and "sew.".
How many meanings does “sutra” have?
“Sutra” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a rule, aphorism, or short saying in Sanskrit texts on grammar, law, or philosophy.
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