What does "origami" mean?
The Japanese art of paper folding.
Origami
/ˌɔ.ɹəˈɡɑ.mi/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The Japanese art of paper folding.
- Grammar: origami is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: folded paper object, folding art, folding form, folding practice.
- Useful contrasts: flat sheet, unfolded sheet, unfolding.
- Usage evidence: I'm all thumbs when it comes to origami, or paper folding.
How to use "origami"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "origami" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "origami" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "origami" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "origami" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "origami" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "folded paper object" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "origami", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The Japanese art of paper folding. uncountable
"JongRak was a 10-year-old boy whose hands, eyes, and questions were all about origami: “Teacher, do you know how to fold a jumping frog?” With his deft little hands, he would teach me and the class how to fold a sunflower and a cicada. At some point, every kid’s little hands and pockets were filled with tiny origami models."
- 2 the Japanese art of folding paper into shapes representing objects (e.g., flowers or birds) wordnet
- 3 A piece of art made by folding paper. countable
"The production notes are folded like the funny origamis that I made in grammar school (only I used to write boy's names inside each section)."
- 4 The materials science technology that applies the art of origami to products. uncountable
- 5 The materials science that studies origami applications in various material. uncountable
Show 1 more definition
- 6 The mathematics field that studies folding two-dimensional surfaces into three-dimensional structures, using folds and creases akin to those in the art of origami. uncountable
Verb
- 1 To construct by means of decorative paper folding. transitive
"He snatched my serviette and swiftly origamied a swan."
Synonyms
All synonyms folded paper objectfolding artfolding formfolding practiceorigami studypaper folding
Antonyms
Example
"I'm all thumbs when it comes to origami, or paper folding."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "origami"?
Common synonyms include: folded paper object, folding art, folding form, folding practice, origami study, paper folding.
How do you use "origami" in a sentence?
I'm all thumbs when it comes to origami, or paper folding.
How do you pronounce "origami"?
Pronounced /ˌɔ.ɹəˈɡɑ.mi/.
Etymology
Borrowed from Japanese 折(お)り紙(がみ) (origami), from 折(お)り (ori, “to fold”) + 紙(かみ) (kami, “paper”).