DictionaryyogaPhysical and meditative practice
noun

yoga

YOH-guh/ˈjəʊɡə/

A practice combining physical postures, controlled breathing, and meditation.

She practices yoga on a mat.

Woman balances in tree pose on a yoga mat.
Etymology

The Sanskrit image of “union” or “yoking” refers here to integration with the universal spirit. Meditation and bodily postures formed part of that spiritual discipline.

In context

Vedanta Society of New York10:55
try to change the reaction in the mind. And one of the powerful ways of trying to change the reaction in the mind is through the yoga of meditation.
Finding Peace | Swami Sarvapriyananda

More examples

  • The class combines yoga postures with controlled breathing.
  • He brought a mat to the yoga session.
  • Gentle yoga helped her establish a regular exercise routine.

Forms

yoga

yogic adjective — relating to yoga

Similar words

stretching
One possible physical component rather than the whole practice.