joss
1 Americannoun
noun
noun
Etymology
Origin of joss1
1705–15; < Chinese Pidgin English < Portuguese deos < Latin deus god
Origin of joss2
First recorded in 1855–60; origin uncertain
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Same for the fruit to set at my grandpa and grandma’s altar, as well as the joss paper to burn for their good fortune.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 2024
The Chens' way of making joss paper is fading quickly due to a lack of people willing to do the repetitive work and competition from big commercial printers producing cheaper, colourful alternatives.
From Reuters • Jan. 26, 2022
On some of the short plinths, in front of the headstone, people had placed lighted joss sticks that had long since burned down; only their stems remained, like the surviving bristles of an ancient toothbrush.
From New York Times • Apr. 20, 2017
Buddhist monks led prayers as well-wishers lit candles and fragrant joss sticks.
From Washington Post • Oct. 13, 2016
Elsie pulls out some joss paper from her pouch.
From "Amari and the Night Brothers" by B.B. Alston
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
