What does "zori" mean?
A Japanese sandal made from rice straw or lacquered wood, worn with a kimono for formal occasions.
Zori
/ˈzɔːɹi/ noun, slang
noun, slang ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A Japanese sandal made from rice straw or lacquered wood, worn with a kimono for formal occasions.
- Grammar: zori is listed as noun, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: modern sandal, pusher, sandal, synthetic sandal.
- Useful contrasts: boots, closed shoe.
- Usage evidence: 1983 July, Tony Annesi, Dogu: Tools For the Way, Black Belt, page 70, Zori should be left at the edge of the training area so they can easily be stepped into. In Western dojo, this is sometimes impractical, but zori should at least be put on as soon as possible after leaving the training area.
How to use "zori"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "zori" 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 "zori" 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 "zori" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "zori" 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 "zori" is acting as noun, slang 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 "modern sandal" 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 "zori", 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 A Japanese sandal made from rice straw or lacquered wood, worn with a kimono for formal occasions.
"1983 July, Tony Annesi, Dogu: Tools For the Way, Black Belt, page 70, Zori should be left at the edge of the training area so they can easily be stepped into. In Western dojo, this is sometimes impractical, but zori should at least be put on as soon as possible after leaving the training area."
- 2 A parent. gender-neutral, informal, rare
"You are your zori's daughter."
- 3 a sandal attached to the foot by a thong over the toes wordnet
- 4 A sandal, usually of rubber, secured to the foot by two straps mounted between the big toe and its neighbour.
"He ran back and I watched him go, legs pumping, soles of his zori showing."
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
bootsclosed shoe
Example
"1983 July, Tony Annesi, Dogu: Tools For the Way, Black Belt, page 70, Zori should be left at the edge of the training area so they can easily be stepped into. In Western dojo, this is sometimes impractical, but zori should at least be put on as soon as possible after leaving the training area."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "zori"?
Common synonyms include: modern sandal, pusher, sandal, synthetic sandal, thong sandal.
How do you use "zori" in a sentence?
1983 July, Tony Annesi, Dogu: Tools For the Way, Black Belt, page 70, Zori should be left at the edge of the training area so they can easily be stepped into. In Western dojo, this is sometimes impractical, but zori should at least be put on as soon as possible after leaving the training area.
How do you pronounce "zori"?
Pronounced /ˈzɔːɹi/.
Etymology
From Japanese 草履 (zōri).