Zen

UK: /ˈzɛn/ US: /zɛn/ ,(zen)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

Zen /zɛn/   n. [uncountable]

1. Eastern Religions a movement of Buddhism, introduced into China in the 6th century a.d. and into Japan in the 12th century, that emphasizes learning by means of meditation and direct, intuitive insights.
2. Eastern Religions the discipline and practice of this sect.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

Zen (zen),  n. 

1. Eastern Religions Chinese, Ch'an. [Buddhism.] a Mahayana movement, introduced into China in the 6th century a.d.and into Japan in the 12th century, that emphasizes enlightenment for the student by the most direct possible means, accepting formal studies and observances only when they form part of such means. Cf. koan, mondo. 
2. Eastern Religions the discipline and practice of this sect.

Also called Zen Buddhism. 

• Sanskrit dhyāna
• Middle Chinese, equivalent. to Chinese chán, transliteration of Pali jhāna
• Japanese

Zen′ic, adj. 

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

Zen / zɛn/ noun

1. a Japanese school, of 12th-century Chinese origin, teaching that contemplation of one's essential nature to the exclusion of all else is the only way of achieving pure enlightenment
2. (modifier) of or relating to this school: Zen Buddhism

Etymology: from Japanese, from Chinese ch'an religious meditation, from Pali jhāna, from Sanskrit dhyāna

ˈZenic adjective

ˈZenist noun