brahma: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, religious, specialist (poultry breeding)
Quick answer
What does “brahma” mean?
The creator god in the Hindu trinity (Trimurti), alongside Vishnu and Shiva.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The creator god in the Hindu trinity (Trimurti), alongside Vishnu and Shiva.
1. A breed of large domestic chicken, originally from Asia, known for its size and feathered legs. 2. In Hindu philosophy and related contexts, the concept of the supreme, universal spirit or the ultimate reality of the universe (Brahman, often conflated in popular usage).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical, dictated by context (theology/agriculture). The chicken breed 'Brahma' is equally recognised in both regions.
Connotations
In both cultures, it primarily evokes Hindu theology. The poultry reference is specialist knowledge.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general language. Slightly more likely to appear in British texts related to South Asian studies or colonial history.
Grammar
How to Use “brahma” in a Sentence
[Proper Noun] + [verb: created, is depicted, is worshipped][Adjective: Light, Dark] + Brahma (chicken)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “brahma” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Brahma concept is central to some schools of thought.
American English
- He raises Brahma chickens for show.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Almost never used. Possible in niche contexts like poultry farming or export.
Academic
Used in religious studies, philosophy, South Asian history, and agricultural science.
Everyday
Very rare. Might occur in discussions about world religions or rare chicken breeds.
Technical
Used in theology (Hinduism) and aviculture (poultry breeding standards).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “brahma”
- Incorrect capitalisation (e.g., 'a brahma' for the god).
- Confusing Brahma (god) with Brahman (impersonal ultimate reality) or Brahmin (priestly caste).
- Pronouncing it as /brəˈhɑːmə/ (like 'Bahama').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Brahma is a deity. 'Brahmin' (or Brahman) refers to the priestly class, the highest varna in the traditional Hindu caste system.
Brahma is typically depicted with four heads and four arms, often seated on a lotus, holding a water pot, a rosary, a book, and a sceptre.
It is believed to be named after the Brahmaputra River region in India, from where the first birds were exported to the West in the 19th century, and the name was subsequently shortened.
No. While a key figure in mythology, there are very few temples dedicated exclusively to Brahma compared to the widespread worship of Vishnu, Shiva, or the Goddess.
The creator god in the Hindu trinity (Trimurti), alongside Vishnu and Shiva.
Brahma is usually formal, religious, specialist (poultry breeding) in register.
Brahma: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbrɑːmə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbrɑmə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Rare/Figurative] a Brahma-sized task (an immense, foundational creative task)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'BRA' (to create, as in 'fabricate') + 'HMA' (sounds like 'hma' in 'dogma'). Brahma is the creator god in Hindu dogma.
Conceptual Metaphor
CREATION IS FABRICATION (Brahma fabricates the universe). SUPREME REALITY IS AN OCEAN (Brahman as the infinite source).
Practice
Quiz
In which of these contexts is the word 'Brahma' most likely to be used?