# joss

/ˈdʒɔs/ (US) · /dʒˈɒs/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/joss
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

a Chinese religious statue or a stick of incense. People sometimes use the word to talk about luck or fate.

For teachers: a Chinese idol or cult image; also refers to incense sticks burned before such images. In certain informal contexts, it serves as a metaphor for luck or destiny.

## Examples

- The room smelled of sweet joss sticks.
- He lit a joss stick at the family altar to honor his ancestors during the festival.
- The old sailor believed that his survival during the storm was simply a matter of good joss, rather than any particular skill at the helm.

## Usage notes

- Often appears in the compound 'joss stick'. When referring to luck, it is typically uncountable.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.