torii

noun

to·​rii ˈtȯr-ē-ˌē 

plural torii

: a Japanese gateway of light construction commonly built at the approach to a Shinto shrine

Illustration of torii

Examples of torii in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Set the scene The electric whoosh of automatic doors at the entrance, activated by room keys, act like a Shinto torii gate, marking the transition between two starkly different worlds—inside and outside the hotel. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Apr. 2026

Fushimi is home to the popular climbing torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine, but most tourists only make it that far. — Jessica Kozuka, Travel + Leisure, 3 Apr. 2026

Visit the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of torii gates. — Bon Appétit, Bon Appetit Magazine, 4 Dec. 2025

Among other popular areas, see the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden with a Shinto shrine and wooden torii and the Bonsai Collection, marking its centennial. — Michele Herrmann, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Japanese

First Known Use

1727, in the meaning defined above