torii

noun

to·rii | \ ˈtȯr-ē-ˌē

How to pronounce torii (audio)

\

plural torii

Definition of torii

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

Examples of torii in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The Fushimi Inari Taisha is a meandering orange tunnel of torii gates that winds its way for miles through the forest of Mount Inari. — Jennifer Nalewicki, Smithsonian Magazine, "A Photographic Tour of the World’s Most Colorful Places," 17 Apr. 2020 The list by JRPass includes gorgeous and iconic places in Japan, including Mount Fuji, Himeji Castle, the busy Shibuya Crossing, Hitachi Seaside Park, Tokyo Station, torii-gates at Fushimi Inari Taisha, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and much more. — Andrea Romano, Travel + Leisure, "Get Paid to Take a Virtual Tour of Japan (Video)," 8 June 2020 Midcentury prints by the Lithuanian-American social-realist artist Ben Shahn, another family friend, hang on nearly every wall in wooden frames made by Nakashima to resemble torii (Japanese temple gates). — Michael Snyder, New York Times, "How Two Children Are Keeping Their Father’s Design Legacy Alive," 16 Mar. 2020 The shrine’s famous torii gate, however, is undergoing renovations that began in June 2019. — Jay Cannon, USA TODAY, "Rich history in a modern society: These stunning Japanese landmarks stand the test of time," 5 Mar. 2020 Visitors walk along winding paths and pass through towering torii gates before entering. — Lindsay Cohn, USA TODAY, "10 things to do in Tokyo: Kabuki plays, robot restaurants and more must-try experiences," 2 Jan. 2020 En route to the shrine, meet a local Shugendo priest to learn firsthand about this ascetic Buddhist sect that focuses on the connections between humans and nature, and pass under the majestic Oyunohara torii (wooden gateway). — National Geographic, "Japan: Hiking and Cultural Adventure," 12 June 2019 There are Shinto torii gates at the base of the lifts and a few good-luck temple bells. — Adam H. Graham, Condé Nast Traveler, "Slow Skiing in Japan's Deep North," 11 Oct. 2018 The Shinto monument is renowned for its thousands of torii gates, which cover the hiking trails that wind up Mount Inari. — Jo Rodgers, Vogue, "Cherry Blossoms and Beyond: Go on a Nature Meditation in Japan," 29 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'torii.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Cite this Entry

“Torii.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/torii. Accessed 7 Mar. 2021.

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