# obi

/ˈəʊbaɪ/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. kimono sash

noun · CEFR B2

a wide belt or sash that you wear around the waist with a Japanese kimono.

For teachers: a broad sash worn with traditional Japanese dress, such as a kimono or yukata.

- She spent a long time tying her silk obi before the festival started.
- The intricate embroidery on the vintage silk obi complemented the simple pattern of the formal kimono perfectly.

### 2. product paper band

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a small strip of paper wrapped around a book, CD, or record to show information.

For teachers: a paper strip or 'belly band' looped around a book, magazine, or media product, typically containing marketing information or price details.

- Collectors often prefer to buy Japanese CDs that still have the original obi attached.
- The first edition was particularly valuable because it retained the original promotional obi, which is often discarded by casual readers.

### 3. folk magic

noun · CEFR C2 · Dialect

a type of religious practice or magic found in parts of the Caribbean.

For teachers: an alternative spelling of obeah, referring to a system of spiritual healing and justice-making practices found in the West Indies.

- The old stories mentioned the use of obi to protect the village from bad luck.
- Scholars of Caribbean history often examine the role of obi and other spiritual practices in the resistance movements of enslaved people.

## Examples

- She tied her silk obi in a beautiful bow.
- The bride chose a gold-threaded obi to complement her white wedding kimono.
- While the kimono itself is often the focus of the ensemble, the choice of obi and the complexity of its knot are equally vital indicators of formality and tradition.

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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.