# origami

/ˌɔɹiˈɡɑˌmi/ (US) · /ˌɒɹɪɡˈɑːmi/ (UK) · CEFR B1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/origami
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

the art of folding paper into shapes like animals, flowers, or boxes. You do not use any glue or scissors to make these designs.

For teachers: the traditional Japanese art of folding paper into decorative shapes or figures without the use of scissors or glue.

## Examples

- She spent the afternoon learning how to make origami birds.
- The teacher showed the students how to fold a simple origami crane using a single square of paper.
- While traditionally associated with Japanese culture, origami has evolved into a sophisticated mathematical discipline, with complex folds used to solve geometric problems that were previously thought impossible.

---

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.