The word "lama" primarily means a spiritual teacher or guru in Tibetan Buddhism. It is a title given to a religious master who is highly respected and often considered an embodiment of Buddhist teachings. A lama may serve as a teacher, ritual conductor, and spiritual authority in Tibetan Buddhism. The term literally means "none above" or "high mother" and can also be part of lineages such as the Dalai Lama or Panchen Lama, who are considered reincarnate spiritual leaders. In a broader sense, lama is also used as a polite form of address for any Tibetan monk, regardless of their spiritual rank.

Additionally, "lama" can refer to a female given name in Arabic, meaning "lips that are dark like the color of a sunset," but this is unrelated to the Buddhist meaning.

Note that "lama" as a Tibetan Buddhist term is different from "llama," the animal from South America, although the words sound similar.