joss
Joss (noun) means a Chinese religious figure or idol worshipped in a household or temple. Example: “A small joss stood in the corner of the family altar.”
How to use joss
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA Chinese household idol or, informally, luck; also a unisex nickname.
Word forms
Jossed past tense, josses plural, Josses plural, Josses singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A small _____ stood in the corner of the family altar.
Etymology
From Chinese Pidgin English, itself borrowed from Macau Portuguese, ultimately from the Latin and Portuguese word for "god."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for joss
See all rhymes for joss →Frequently asked questions
What does “joss” mean?
The word “joss” means a Chinese religious figure or idol worshipped in a household or temple. In plain terms, a Chinese household idol or, informally, luck; also a unisex nickname.
How do you pronounce “joss”?
“Joss” is pronounced jos (/dʒɔs/ in IPA).
How do you use “joss” in a sentence?
Here is “joss” used in a sentence: “A small joss stood in the corner of the family altar.”
What is another word for “joss”?
Words with a similar meaning to “joss” include fortune.
What part of speech is “joss”?
Depending on how it is used, “joss” can be a noun and a name.
Where does the word “joss” come from?
The word “joss” comes from Latin. From Chinese Pidgin English, itself borrowed from Macau Portuguese, ultimately from the Latin and Portuguese word for "god.".
Is “joss” a common word?
“Joss” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “joss” have?
“Joss” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a Chinese religious figure or idol worshipped in a household or temple.
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