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

A demon or ogre-like spirit from Japanese folklore, often shown with horns and a fearsome face.

"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 notes

In plain EnglishA Japanese folklore monster, similar to an ogre or demon, often used in games, anime, and festivals.

Word forms

onis plural, oni plural

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The festival float was decorated with a giant _____ mask.

Etymology

Borrowed directly from Japanese 鬼 (oni), meaning demon or ogre.

Origin: Japanese

Rhymes for oni

yoni Joni noni Toni Moni Soni dhoni Zamboni Marconi macaroni pepperoni Berlusconi

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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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Vocabulary lists that include oni:

Words with Japanese origins