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

Through the centuries, the unisex garment evolved from an underlayer for the upper class to become outerwear, sashed with an obi but featuring smaller sleeves that aided physical activity — helpful for the samurai warriors.

From Los Angeles Times

Think garden party for the daytime looks, with pretty embroidered shoes and hats complementing ensembles of unstructured jackets and textured trousers accented by obi belts.

From Seattle Times

They value efficiency and aesthetics above all other considerations, and they end up a graveyard of lost opportunities: How will the jacket or the obi interact with the buckram?

From Los Angeles Times

Inside, men’s corsetry, obi belts and cummerbunds cinch the waist, a silhouette that is mimicked in the dramatic hourglass tailoring of coats and jackets with curved waistlines and broad shoulders.

From Seattle Times

“The present is a gift,” she said, fan tucked in her obi — the wide kimono sash — pink and white parasol in her Hello Kitty shoulder bag.

From Washington Post