First Known Use: 1788
Dictionary
maya
noun ma·ya \ˈmä-yə, ˈmī-ə\
Definition of MAYA
: the sense-world of manifold phenomena held in Vedanta to conceal the unity of absolute being; broadly : illusion
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of MAYA
Sanskrit māyā
Rhymes with MAYA
Maya
noun Ma·ya \ˈmī-ə\
: a member of a group of people living mostly in southern Mexico and Guatemala
plural Maya or Mayas
Full Definition of MAYA
1
2
: a member of a group of Indian peoples chiefly of Yucatán, Belize, and Guatemala whose languages are Mayan
See Maya defined for English-language learners
See Maya defined for kids
Origin of MAYA
Spanish
First Known Use: 1825
Learn More About MAYA
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up maya? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).