obi

¹ American  

[oh-bee, aw-bee] / ˈoʊ bi, ˈɔ bi /

noun

plural

obis, obi

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

---

obi ² American  

[oh-bee] / ˈoʊ bi /

noun

plural

obis

1. obeah.

---

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

---

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

---

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

There was the first-time lay-off to Chido Obi in the first half that really should have led to United going in front.

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026

The Obi Wan is Bob Corby, a beloved rink wizard from St. Louis whose time-worn, brute-force coaching methods have lifted Stolz into the planet’s most dominating skater, a favorite to win multiple golds here.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 11, 2026

"They cut a major artery... it was a very minor surgery," Obi told the BBC.

From BBC • Jan. 15, 2026

"You will just waste money and the case will linger... we just let it go," Obi said.

From BBC • Jan. 15, 2026

Vincent Obi was a small round man submerged in a large pair of jeans and an ungainly coat.

From "Americanah" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie