noun
oni
OH-nee
Oni (noun) means a demon or ogre-like spirit from Japanese folklore, often shown with horns and a fearsome face. Example: “The festival float was decorated with a giant oni mask.”
noun
1
A demon or ogre-like spirit from Japanese folklore, often shown with horns and a fearsome face.
"The oni are a diverse group of evil spirits who take on the form of humanoid creatures so that they can enjoy the pleasures and vices of the flesh."
— Mike Shel, Ecology of the Oni (2011)
"The festival float was decorated with a giant oni mask."
"In the story, villagers throw beans to drive the oni away."
How to use oni
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA Japanese folklore monster, similar to an ogre or demon, often used in games, anime, and festivals.
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Word forms
- Plural
- onis
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The festival float was decorated with a giant _____ mask.
Etymology
Borrowed directly from Japanese 鬼 (oni), meaning demon or ogre.
Rhymes for oni
See all rhymes for oni →Frequently asked questions
What does “oni” mean?
The word “oni” means a demon or ogre-like spirit from Japanese folklore, often shown with horns and a fearsome face. In plain terms, a Japanese folklore monster, similar to an ogre or demon, often used in games, anime, and festivals.
How do you pronounce “oni”?
“Oni” is pronounced OH-nee (/ˈoʊni/ in IPA).
How do you use “oni” in a sentence?
Here is “oni” used in a sentence: “The festival float was decorated with a giant oni mask.”
What part of speech is “oni”?
“Oni” is a noun.
Where does the word “oni” come from?
The word “oni” comes from Japanese. Borrowed directly from Japanese 鬼 (oni), meaning demon or ogre.
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