feng shui

American  

[fuhng shwey, feng shwee] / ˈfʌŋ ˈʃweɪ, ˈfɛŋ ˈʃwi /

1. the Chinese art or practice of creating harmonious surroundings that enhance the balance of yin and yang, as in arranging furniture or determining the siting of a house.

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feng shui British  

/ ˈfʌŋ ˈʃweɪ /

noun

1. the Chinese art of determining the most propitious design and placement of a grave, building, room, etc, so that the maximum harmony is achieved between the flow of chi of the environment and that of the user, believed to bring good fortune

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Etymology

Origin of feng shui

1795–1800; from Chinese: natural surroundings, literally, “wind and water”

Example Sentences

So we designed the whole house with feng shui in mind.”

From MarketWatch

She explains that feng shui, the ancient Chinese practice of arranging a space to encourage harmony, is based on five natural elements: water, wood, fire, earth and metal.

From Los Angeles Times

When asked about the bed placement, the feng shui fan said she pulled the bed forward facing an entry “because it felt safe. It felt right.”

From Los Angeles Times

Dulfo, 17, and his family still try to celebrate Lunar New Year by wearing red outfits, cooking dumplings and refreshing their home according to feng shui principles.

From Seattle Times

My grandfather was a believer in feng shui and fortune-telling, and he had my dad’s reading done at birth.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• interior design