obi

¹

[ oh-bee; Japanese aw-bee ]

noun

, plural o·bis, o·bi.

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

obi

²

[ oh-bee ]

noun

, plural o·bis.

1. obeah.

obi

¹

/ ˈəʊbɪ /

noun

1. a kind of witchcraft originating in Africa and practised by some West Indians
2. a charm or amulet used in this

obi

²

/ 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

Derived Forms

• ˈobiism, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of obi¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of obi¹

of West African origin; compare Edo obi poison

Origin of obi²

C19: from Japanese

Example Sentences

Judge Margaret Obi found the restraints constituted battery and that being prevented from leaving his room constituted unlawful imprisonment.

From BBC

In a video, his younger sister Obi told the public inquiry how the pair had spent their early years in Nigeria before their family moved to the UK.

From BBC

Chrystal Obi, the girl’s mother, offered one explanation in a statement to The Times in which she expressed anger over the death of her daughter and lambasted the court system she said allowed it to happen.

From Los Angeles Times

Obi said she constantly feared for Ellie’s safety with her father, but the courts “continued to grant him partial custody and access.”

From Los Angeles Times

Obi added that she and the family had been experiencing overwhelming pain and grief.

From Los Angeles Times