asana

noun

asa·​na ˈä-sə-nə How to pronounce asana (audio)
: any of various yogic postures

Examples of asana in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The positions in [People have a variety of positions on these] are yoga asanas, which are usually performed on YOGA MATS. Deb Amlen, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025 Yoga has many poses or asanas, each with a different purpose. Sherri Gordon, Health, 25 Feb. 2025 Yoga Yoga is an ancient Indian practice that combines meditation, asanas (yoga poses), philosophy, and mindfulness. Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 4 Feb. 2025 One team member even recently opened a yoga studio where groups practice their asanas every week. Nick Davidson, Outside Online, 1 Oct. 2014 Amid the gardens that were designed by landscape architect Douglas Reed, a yoga sala is located a short walk from the main house for practicing asanas while catching a Caribbean breeze out of the heat of the sun. Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 5 Dec. 2024 Pranayama, sometimes called yoga breathing, is one aspect of a yoga practice that includes asana (the poses) and dhyana (meditation). Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 1 Dec. 2024 Yoga-esque Poses on the Toilet Yoga asana, or the poses, can be boiled down to making shapes with your body. Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 20 Nov. 2024 Classes include a mix of asana (poses), pranayama (breathing exercises), and meditation and may be geared toward beginners. Sherri Gordon, Health, 6 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Sanskrit āsana manner of sitting, from āste he sits; akin to Greek hēsthai to sit, Hittite es-

First Known Use

1811, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of asana was in 1811

Cite this Entry

“Asana.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/asana. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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