torii

[ tawr-ee-ee ]

noun

, plural to·ri·i.

1. (in Japan) a form of decorative gateway or portal, consisting of two upright wooden posts connected at the top by two horizontal crosspieces, commonly found at the entrance to Shinto shrines.

torii

/ ˈtɔːrɪˌiː /

noun

1. a gateway, esp one at the entrance to a Japanese Shinto temple

Word History and Origins

Origin of torii¹

First recorded in 1720–30; from Japanese, equivalent to tori “bird” + (w)i “perch”

Word History and Origins

Origin of torii¹

C19: from Japanese, literally: a perch for birds

Example Sentences

On South Seaside Avenue they saw a torii gate like one sees at a Shinto shrine, historical plaques and a bronze pair of Japanese fishermen gazing at Fish Harbor, where their village once stood.

From Los Angeles Times

Torii Hunter is not going to manage the Angels next season.

From Los Angeles Times

Now, a Golden Gate Bridge-inspired design has returned to the park, this one a mash-up of the San Francisco icon with traditional flourishes reminiscent of a Japanese Torii gate.

From Los Angeles Times

"We hope the BOJ will slowly and carefully move toward an exit from ultra-easy policy," Shingo Torii, head of the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said in the meeting with Ueda.

From Reuters

"Hey, no smoking here!" a souvenir store attendant barked, addressing a man dressed in shorts and holding a can of beer in front of the red 'torii' gate symbolising the entrance to the Shinto shrine up ahead.

From Reuters