Origin: Greek suffix -ist
Buddhist has 4 different meanings across 2 categories:
one who follows the teachings of Buddha
"The quiet monk meditated peacefully, embodying the role of a true Buddhist following the path laid out by Buddha."
A practitioner of the religion and philosophy of Buddhism.
"The buddhist sat quietly in meditation, reflecting on the teachings of compassion and non-attachment."
In plain English: A Buddhist is someone who follows Buddhism, which teaches ways to find peace and end suffering through meditation and good actions.
"She is a quiet buddhist who spends her mornings meditating in silence."
Of, relating to, or practicing Buddhism.
"The monk is a devout Buddhist who follows the teachings of the Buddha."
In plain English: Buddhist describes something related to Buddhism, which is a religion focused on finding peace and ending suffering through meditation and good deeds.
"The Buddhist monk walked quietly through the temple garden."
The word buddhist comes from combining the name of the founder, Buddha, with the suffix -ist to denote a follower or adherent. It entered English as a straightforward way to describe someone who practices Buddhism.