obi

¹ American  

[oh-bee, aw-bee] / ˈoʊ bi, ˈɔ bi /

noun

obis plural

1. a long, broad sash tied about the waist over a Japanese kimono.

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obi ² American  

[oh-bee] / ˈoʊ bi /

noun

obis plural

1. obeah.

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obi ¹ British  

/ ˈəʊbɪ /

noun

1. a broad sash tied in a large flat bow at the back, worn by Japanese women and children as part of the national costume

2. a narrow sash worn by Japanese men

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obi ² British  

/ ˈəʊbɪ /

noun

1. a kind of witchcraft originating in Africa and practised by some West Indians

2. a charm or amulet used in this

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Other Word Forms

• obiism
  noun

Etymology

Origin of obi

1875–80; < Japanese: girdle, gird (v.)

Explanation

An obi is a fabric belt that's tied around the waist of a Japanese kimono. The most formal obi are very wide and stiff, and are made from silk brocade. While an obi was originally a useful piece of cord or rope that secured a kimono around the body, modern obi are primarily ornamental. These wide sashes have become too inflexible to actually hold the kimono shut — there are smaller ties underneath that do that. If you participate in Japanese martial arts, you'll also wear an obi as part of your uniform.

Example Sentences

“The present is a gift,” she said, fan tucked in her obi — the wide kimono sash — pink and white parasol in her Hello Kitty shoulder bag.

From Washington Post • Mar. 23, 2022

They reminded me of Japanese obi sashes, those sometimes ornately knotted strips of brocade.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 16, 2017

The most dramatic pieces were gilded jackets with wide obi sashes.

From New York Times • Jan. 17, 2013

Yves Saint Laurent's Stefano Pilati was all about the waist, fitting the ample '50s-inspired suits with obi belts and strange, misplaced cummerbunds in leopard knits.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 25, 2010

He led the way into his dim obi, which smelled of mushrooms.

From "Half of a Yellow Sun" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie