bodhi tree

noun

bo·​dhi tree ˈbō-dē- 

variants or Bodhi tree

plural bodhi trees or Bodhi trees

: peepul

Explore the stupas and temples at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed sacred city, Anuradhapura, which was built around a cutting of the Bodhi tree under which Buddha gained enlightenment in India.

—Angela Saurine

The pay-off comes gradually as you climb the steps … up past crumbling white stupas and bodhi trees, till you reach the summit …

—Jaime Ee

Word History

Etymology

Pali bodhi "awakening," going back to Sanskrit bodhiḥ, noun derivative from the base of bodhati "(s/he) wakes, is awake, observes" — more at bid entry 1

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above