tokonoma

noun

to·​ko·​no·​ma ˌtō-kə-ˈnō-mə How to pronounce tokonoma (audio)
: a niche or alcove in the wall of a Japanese house for the display of a decorative object

Examples of tokonoma in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The 34 Japanese-style rooms are archetypal of such establishments: tatami mat floors, low tables with legless chairs, an ornamental alcove (tokonoma), and sliding shoji screens characterize the accommodations. Christina Liao, Vogue, 12 Jan. 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tokonoma.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Japanese

First Known Use

1871, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tokonoma was in 1871

Dictionary Entries Near tokonoma

Cite this Entry

“Tokonoma.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tokonoma. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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