noun
Uncommon
obi
OH-bee
Obi (noun) means a wide sash tied around the waist of a kimono. Example: “She wore a silk kimono with an elaborately knotted obi.”
noun
1
A wide sash tied around the waist of a kimono.
"They had known nothing of woolen cloth, but now the popularity of obi made of imported grogram spread like wildfire. This popularity produced various stories in its wake."
— Kikue Yamakawa, Kate Wildman Nakai (2001)
"She wore a silk kimono with an elaborately knotted obi."
"The broad obi tied around her middle was orange and yellow. I'd never seen such elegant clothing."
— Arthur Golden, Memoirs of a Geisha (1997)
How to use obi
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe broad belt worn with a traditional Japanese kimono.
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Word forms
- Plural
- obis
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She wore a silk kimono with an elaborately knotted _____.
Etymology
Borrowed from Japanese obi, "belt/sash."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for obi
See all rhymes for obi →Frequently asked questions
What does “obi” mean?
The word “obi” means a wide sash tied around the waist of a kimono. In plain terms, the broad belt worn with a traditional Japanese kimono.
How do you pronounce “obi”?
“Obi” is pronounced OH-bee (/ˈoʊbi/ in IPA).
How do you use “obi” in a sentence?
Here is “obi” used in a sentence: “She wore a silk kimono with an elaborately knotted obi.”
What part of speech is “obi”?
“Obi” is a noun.
Where does the word “obi” come from?
The word “obi” comes from Japanese. Borrowed from Japanese obi, "belt/sash.".
Is “obi” a common word?
“Obi” is an uncommon word in modern English.
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