stupa

noun

stu·​pa ˈstü-pə How to pronounce stupa (audio)
: a usually dome-shaped structure (such as a mound) serving as a Buddhist shrine

Illustration of stupa

Illustration of stupa

Examples of stupa 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.
This year’s biennale will span eleven locations, among them the ancient heritage sites Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), and Wat Prayoon, known for its massive white chedi, or stupa. — News Desk, Artforum, 12 Oct. 2026 With the help of his students, Wangchuk froze stream water into conical artificial glaciers—or ice stupas—to store water during the winter and release it throughout the drier spring and summer. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 21 July 2026 With his teacher’s blessing, the plan for the $200-million Dhammacetiya project was born — 840 stupas bearing Buddha’s teachings in 10 languages, built to last 4,000 years. — Deepa Bharath, Fortune, 17 July 2026 There are stupas to marvel at, prayer wheels to turn, and a cafe and a bookshop to enjoy. — David Farley, New York Times, 16 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stupa

Word History

Etymology

Sanskrit stūpa

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stupa was in 1841

Rhymes for stupa

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Browse Nearby Words

stunty
stupa
stupe
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Cite this Entry

“Stupa.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stupa. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on stupa

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about stupa

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