plural koi
: a carp (Cyprinus carpio) bred especially in Japan for large size and a variety of colors and often stocked in ornamental ponds

Examples of koi in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Let yourself be carried away by the flowers, the butterflies, the parakeets, the huge koi in the pond with a waterfall, and even the horses, because Patch of Heaven Sanctuary has a magnificent stable. Sarah Moreno, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2025 Once an important feudal stronghold deep in the Japanese Alps, Matsumoto is known today for its towering castle; arguably the most stunning fortification in the entire country with its black-onyx trim and turquoise moat filled with curious koi. Brandon Presser, Vogue, 6 Mar. 2025 One Altadena couple found help from a local expert to save their pets of 25 years: five koi fish. German Lopez, New York Times, 21 Jan. 2025 Authorities shared photos of these items alongside a composite sketch of her back tattoos — a koi fish and rose — during efforts to learn her identity. Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 9 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for koi

Word History

Etymology

Japanese

First Known Use

1727, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of koi was in 1727

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Koi.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/koi. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

koi

noun
: a carp that has been bred to be of various bright colors and is often stocked in ornamental ponds

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