noun
Uncommon
joss
jos
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.”
noun
1
A Chinese religious figure or idol worshipped in a household or temple.
"A small joss stood in the corner of the family altar."
2
Informal: luck.
"He put his win down to pure joss."
name
1
A unisex given name, a nickname for Jocelyn or Joseph.
"Joss is starting a new role at the theatre next month."
How to use joss
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA Chinese household idol or, informally, luck; also a unisex nickname.
Common pairings
joss stick
burn joss paper
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Word forms
- Plural
- josses
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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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