What does guru mean?
A guru is a person regarded as an expert, leading authority, or trusted adviser in a particular field. The word originally referred to a religious teacher or spiritual guide, especially within Hindu and Sikh traditions, and it retains this more specific religious sense. In contemporary English, however, it is often applied more broadly to a celebrated practitioner, adviser, or self-proclaimed expert in subjects such as technology, finance, health, or popular culture. Such usage may be sincere, but it can also carry a faintly ironic or dismissive implication, suggesting that the person’s reputation is greater than their qualifications. Expressions such as “spiritual guru,” “internet guru,” and “self-help guru” reflect these different uses. Although guru retains connotations of wisdom and authority, it is generally less formal than “expert” and may invite scrutiny of the person’s credentials or independence.
nounAn expert or leading authority in a particular field. In religious contexts, the term denotes a spiritual teacher or guide, especially in Hindu and Sikh traditions.
- An expert or leading figure whose advice is highly regarded within a particular field.
- A spiritual teacher or religious guide, especially in Hindu and Sikh traditions.
"The company consulted several leading gurus in artificial intelligence before choosing a new research director."
"Many readers regard her as a guru on sustainable fashion."
"The museum was founded with the assistance of a spiritual guru from the region."
The standard plural is “gurus”; the possessive form is “guru’s.”
"The forum brought together gurus from several different professional fields."
Guru began as a word for heaviness and weightiness, qualities that came to represent the gravity and authority of a revered teacher.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does guru come from?
English borrowed the word in the 19th century from Hindi गुरु (gurū), which comes from Sanskrit गुरु (guru), originally meaning “heavy, weighty” and by extension “venerable” or “authoritative.” The Sanskrit word is related to an ancient root meaning “to be heavy,” the same ultimate root behind Latin grav-, as reflected in English words such as gravity and gravid. The religious meaning developed from the older sense of a teacher whose wisdom or moral standing gave their instruction particular weight.
How guru is actually used
The word is now common in general English, but it can sound informal, promotional, or ironic. It may be complimentary when referring to a recognized authority, while “self-styled guru” can imply that someone has exaggerated their expertise.