washi

noun

ˈwä-shē 

variants or washi paper

plural washi or washi papers

: a traditional Japanese handmade paper noted for its durability

Washi is a paper formed from the bark of shrubs and trees. You can make a nice pastel or watercolor on it, and it's used in shoji [paper doors] to dim sunlight."

—Keiko Seya, quoted in New York Times

Of the different types of washi the National Archives utilizes for conservation, washi made from the … paper mulberry is the most commonly used because it has long fibers and excels in flexibility and strength.

—Takanori Yamamoto

The fans, which are made from bamboo and Japanese washi paper, come with a black lacquered box …

—Hilary Reid

compare washi tape

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Japanese, from wa- "Japan" + shi "paper"

First Known Use

1914, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing washi

• washi tape