Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Showing results for maiko. Search instead for maikoa.

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.

See Examples For:

"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

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

“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

Everything Tomitsuyu earns for five years as a maiko goes to Ms. Tomimori.

From New York Times May 6, 2015

Notes for Chapter Seven 1 The Kyoto word is maiko.

From Glimpses of Unfamiliar Japan Second Series by Hearn, Lafcadio

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Join 12,000,000 vocabulary learners

Start learning new words today on VocabTrainer.
You'll remember them forever.

Start training