noun
oni
OH-nee
noun
1
A demon or ogre-like spirit from Japanese folklore, often shown with horns and a fearsome face.
"The festival float was decorated with a giant oni mask."
"In the story, villagers throw beans to drive the oni away."
How to Use Oni
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA Japanese folklore monster, similar to an ogre or demon, often used in games, anime, and festivals.
Word Forms
onis plural, oni plural
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The festival float was decorated with a giant _____ mask.
Etymology
Borrowed directly from Japanese 鬼 (oni), meaning demon or ogre.