obi

/ˈoʊbi/

Other forms: obis

An obi is a fabric belt that's tied around the waist of a Japanese kimono. The most formal obi are very wide and stiff, and are made from silk brocade.

While an obi was originally a useful piece of cord or rope that secured a kimono around the body, modern obi are primarily ornamental. These wide sashes have become too inflexible to actually hold the kimono shut — there are smaller ties underneath that do that. If you participate in Japanese martial arts, you'll also wear an obi as part of your uniform.

Definitions of obi

1. noun

   a wide sash tied around the waist of a Japanese kimono
2. noun

   spiritual and religious methods used in Afro-Caribbean practices for protection or guidance
   synonyms: obeah

   type of:

   cult, cultus, religious cult

   a system of religious beliefs and rituals
3. noun

   those who follow the spiritual and religious methods used in Afro-Caribbean practices for protection or guidance
   synonyms: obeah

   type of:

   cult

   followers of an exclusive system of religious beliefs and practices