1.
Buddha; Buddhist deity
A respectful way to refer to the Buddha or Buddhist deities. The さま suffix adds reverence.
2.
the deceased; the dead person
A respectful, euphemistic way to refer to a person who has died. Rooted in the Buddhist belief that the deceased becomes a buddha. Common in conversation about funerals and death.
Usage
The plain form 仏 exists but 仏様 is far more common in spoken language due to the reverence associated with both meanings. In sense 2, it is a gentler alternative to direct words for death.
Cultural note
In Japanese Buddhism, it is believed that the deceased become buddhas, which is why the same word is used for both meanings. This connection shapes many Japanese funeral customs.