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maiko

British  
/ ˈmaɪkəʊ /

noun

  1. an apprentice geisha

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of maiko

from Japanese, literally: dancer

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"But the Miyako Odori is a one-hour show in which geisha and maiko have the opportunity to showcase the arts they practise daily," she said.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

“I’ve seen maiko bursting into tears and fending off people who want to have their photo taken with them. They are not on display. This is a live, working environment.”

From The Guardian • Jun. 14, 2018

Most are here for one reason: to catch a glimpse of the Gion district’s geiko and maiko – or qualified and trainee geisha.

From The Guardian • Jun. 14, 2018

“Businesses want to say, ‘We made success by ourselves,’ but maiko and geiko also help,” Ms. Doi said.

From New York Times • May 6, 2015

Still, I hoped the Master might be willing to take them, seeing they have become curious; for there are no more shirabyoshi, and the maiko of these times wear no such robes.'

From Glimpses of Unfamiliar Japan Second Series by Hearn, Lafcadio