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noun

geisha

GAY-shuh

Geisha (noun) means a Japanese woman trained as a professional entertainer, skilled in traditional arts such as music, dance, and conversation. Example: “The geisha performed a traditional dance for the guests.”

noun
1
A Japanese woman trained as a professional entertainer, skilled in traditional arts such as music, dance, and conversation.
"The geisha performed a traditional dance for the guests."
"Becoming a geisha requires years of training."

How to use geisha

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA traditionally trained Japanese entertainer skilled in music, dance, and hosting.

Common mistake

A geisha is a highly trained performing artist, not simply a hostess — the profession is often misunderstood in Western media.

Word forms

geisha plural, geishas plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ performed a traditional dance for the guests.

Etymology

From Japanese geisha, literally "person of the arts," combining characters for "art" and "person."

Origin: Japanese

Rhymes for geisha

See all rhymes for geisha →

Frequently asked questions

What does “geisha” mean?

The word “geisha” means a Japanese woman trained as a professional entertainer, skilled in traditional arts such as music, dance, and conversation. In plain terms, a traditionally trained Japanese entertainer skilled in music, dance, and hosting.

How do you pronounce “geisha”?

“Geisha” is pronounced GAY-shuh (/ˈɡeɪ.ʃə/ in IPA).

How do you use “geisha” in a sentence?

Here is “geisha” used in a sentence: “The geisha performed a traditional dance for the guests.”

What part of speech is “geisha”?

“Geisha” is a noun.

Where does the word “geisha” come from?

The word “geisha” comes from Japanese. From Japanese geisha, literally "person of the arts," combining characters for "art" and "person.".

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