: a broad sash worn with a Japanese kimono

Examples of obi in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Peter Pennoyer and Katie Ridder experimented with colors and patterns in this Manhattan triplex, starting with the bed frame in the primary bedroom, which mixes Holland & Sherry textiles with vintage Japanese obi. Kelsey Mulvey, ELLE Decor, 6 Dec. 2022 At Van Cleef & Arpels, some of these were modeled on inro, the small boxes of wood, leather, metal, ivory or paper that Japanese men hung from their obi (kimonos have no pockets) to carry tobacco or medicinal herbs. New York Times, 11 Feb. 2021 Japanese men traditionally used an inrō, a basket worn suspended from an obi or sash, to carry small items including medicine. Peter Saenger, WSJ, 13 Nov. 2020 Kimonos are worn with the left side wrapped over the right and secured with an obi, or sash, around the waist. The Economist, 2 Mar. 2020 Susuru has just two omakase events under its obi at this point. Amy Drew Thompson, orlandosentinel.com, 7 Oct. 2019 From its oversized shoulder pads tucked into high-waisted harem pants and cinched with a leather obi belt adorned with the famous LV logo, Stone’s daring outfit worked with the event’s theme of fashion innovation. Janelle Okwodu, Vogue, 6 June 2018 The costume costs $49.99 and includes hair sticks, a kimono, a skirt, and an obi — a sash often worn with traditional Japanese clothing. Mekita Rivas, Allure, 3 Oct. 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'obi.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Japanese

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of obi was in 1874

Dictionary Entries Near obi

Cite this Entry

“Obi.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/obi. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

obi

noun
: a broad sash worn with a Japanese kimono

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