Yokozuna

/ ˌjəʊkəʊˈzuːnə /

noun

1. a grand champion sumo wrestler

Word History and Origins

Origin of Yokozuna¹

from Japanese yoko across + zuna rope, from the sacred straw rope presented to the grand champion

Example Sentences

When Hogan came out to aid Bret Hart, who had just lost his title to Yokozuna due to having salt thrown in his eyes, Yokozuna’s manager, Mr. Fuji, made an impromptu challenge to Hogan to wrestle him for the title “right now.”

From Los Angeles Times

The reaction was lukewarm at best and Hogan made sporadic appearances until losing the title to Yokozuna that summer.

From Los Angeles Times

Born Chad George Ha’aheo Rowan in Hawaii and raised in the rural side of the Koolau mountains from Honolulu, Akebono became Japan’s 64th yokozuna in 1993.

From Seattle Times

Within six years he would become Japan's 64th yokozuna - or grand champion - an honour which the sumo council had previously ruled was off-limits to non-Japanese athletes.

From BBC

When he became Japan’s 64th yokozuna, or grand champion sumo wrestler, in 1993, he was the first foreign-born wrestler to achieve the sport’s highest title in its 300-year modern history.

From New York Times