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.
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 These are the Durbar Squares of Hanuman Dhoka (Kathmandu), Patan and Bhaktapur; the Buddhist stupas of Swayambhu and Bauddhanath; and the Hindu temples of Pashupati and Changu Narayan, according to UNESCO. Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 8 Apr. 2026 It’s widely believed the relics later multiplied; most are enshrined in a memorial stupa at Kopan monastery in Nepal. Deepa Bharath, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2026 It's widely believed the relics later multiplied; most are enshrined in a memorial stupa at Kopan monastery in Nepal. ABC News, 1 Mar. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stupa.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stupa. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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