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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 notes

In plain EnglishA short, authoritative teaching or rule in Hindu or Buddhist tradition.

Common pairings
Buddhist sutra recite a sutra the Yoga Sutras

Word forms

sutras plural

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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."

Origin: Sanskrit

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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