founder of Buddhism (c 563-483 BC)
"The ancient texts describe how Siddhartha Gautama became the Buddha, the spiritual teacher who founded Buddhism in India around the sixth century BCE."
one who has achieved a state of perfect enlightenment
"After years of meditation, Siddhartha became a buddha, having achieved a state of perfect enlightenment."
Any of the other Buddhas named in Buddhist scriptures.
"In Buddhist tradition, Siddhartha Gautama is revered as the Buddha, the human being who became fully enlightened and attained divinity."
A human being who has become enlightened and therefore a divine being.
In plain English: A Buddha is an enlightened person who has achieved perfect peace and wisdom to end all suffering.
"Many people find peace by meditating on statues of Buddha in their gardens."
Usage: Use lowercase when referring to the historical figure Siddhartha Gautama or specific statues, but capitalize it only before names like Buddha of Lumbini. Avoid capitalizing "buddha" in general phrases such as "a buddha state."
Buddha Shakyamuni, Indian spiritual and philosophical teacher and founder of Buddhism; Siddhartha Gautama.
"After meditating beneath the bodhi tree, Buddha Shakyamuni attained enlightenment to become the founder of Buddhism."
The word buddha comes from Pali, where it originally meant "the Awakened One" or "the Enlightened One." It entered English as a learned borrowing to describe the founder of Buddhism.