maneki-neko

American  

[mah-ne-kee-ne-koh, -nay-koh] / ˌmɑˌnɛ kiˈnɛ koʊ, -ˈneɪ koʊ /

noun

1. a Japanese good luck statuette of a cat in a sitting position with one paw lifted in greeting or welcome.

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Example Sentences

The maneki-neko figurines are believed by some within Japanese culture to bring good luck and have been a feature in the Lucky Cat restaurants.

From BBC • Feb. 20, 2025

The restaurateur recently launched Lucky Cat by Gordon Ramsay, in Bishopsgate in central London, featuring the beckoning Japanese cat models called maneki-neko.

From BBC • Feb. 20, 2025

A mechanical maneki-neko cat, forever waving from a restaurant’s cluttered counter, leads to a stall stuffed with similar cats back at the Chinese wholesaler.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 23, 2022

The legendary spot is adorned with historic photos, Japanese art and waving maneki-neko cats.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 1, 2019