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

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 Visitors enter the conservatory through two 25-foot torii gates, similar to those found outside Japan's Shinto shrines. — Jay Jones, latimes.com, "Spring flowers and cherry trees bloom 24/7 at this Las Vegas resort," 21 Mar. 2018 The priest, sandals slapping, heads down a lane lined with stone lanterns and towering cryptomeria trees to a gateway, or torii, that bears the mountain’s name. — Gilles Mingasson, Smithsonian, "Why Mount Fuji Endures As a Powerful Force in Japan," 29 May 2017

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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Time Traveler for torii

The first known use of torii was in 1727

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