SKIP TO CONTENT

feng shui

/ˈfʌŋ ˈʃweɪ/
/ˌfɛŋ ˈʃui/
IPA guide

Feng shui is an ancient Chinese practice of orienting buildings and arranging rooms to allow the ideal flow of energy. The goal of feng shui is creating harmony between people and the environment they live in.

In Chinese, feng means "wind" and shui means "water." The name is connected to an ancient belief that vital energy, or qi, flows in the movements of wind and water. The modern concept of feng shui extends that idea to the flow of qi around our living and working spaces. Originally, this practice was rooted in Taoism and used to position important buildings, burial sites, and religious structures.

Definitions of feng shui
  1. noun
    the practice of arranging spaces for harmony and balance, originating in Chinese philosophy
    see moresee less
    type of:
    principle, rule, tenet
    a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘feng shui'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family