English · Word Candidate

guru

/ˈɡʊɹuː/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: gurus · guruing · gurued

Sense 1

Meaning · English

In Indian traditions: a spiritual teacher who transmits knowledge to a shishya.

Noun

Examples

When the gooroo arrives at the house of a disciple, the whole family prostrate themselves at his feet, and the spiritual guide puts his right foot on the heads of the prostrate family.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Any general teacher (as a term of respect).

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To act as a guru; to give wise advice

Verb

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “guru” mean?

In Indian traditions: a spiritual teacher who transmits knowledge to a shishya.

Is “guru” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.