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DictionaryswamiSpiritual teacher
noun

swami

SWAH-mee/ˈswɑːmi/

A Hindu religious teacher or guide.

The swami guides his students through meditation at the temple.

A Hindu swami in saffron monastic robes teaches two attentive adult disciples beside a small, recognizable Shiva shrine.
Etymology
swamiSanskritlord, master

Svāmin means “lord” or “master.” The title was used respectfully to address a Brahmin and came to designate a Hindu religious teacher or spiritual leader.

In context

Alex O'Connor1:03
A swami is not your first name. It's it's a title which is something equivalent to something like maybe master lord master like that. So it's a title for a spiritual teacher.
Hinduism, Consciousness and Advaita Vedanta - Swami Sarvapriyananda

More examples

  • She asks the swami how to practice patience.
  • Two swamis speak about compassion at the gathering.
  • We read a book about Hindu philosophy written by a swami.

Forms

swami · swamis

Similar words

guru
Also names a Hindu teacher, but extends to secular experts.
teacher
Refers broadly to someone who teaches, without implying religious authority.