ikebana

noun

ike·​ba·​na ˌi-kā-ˈbä-nə 

ˌi-ki-,

ˌē-

: the Japanese art of flower arranging that emphasizes form and balance

Did you know?

Ikebana is a way of arranging flowers that was developed by the Japanese. It was introduced in Japan in the sixth century by Chinese Buddhist missionaries, who had formalized the ritual of offering flowers to Buddha. The art is based on the harmony of simple linear constructions and the appreciation of the subtle beauty of flowers and natural material, such as branches and stems. There are several major ikebana schools, with differing histories and theories of artistic style. In its highest form, this art form is spiritual and philosophical in nature, but in modern Japan, it is more often practiced as a sign of refinement by marriageable young women and older matrons.

Examples of ikebana in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

According to Season Floral arts, especially ikebana, have a reputation of being very formulated and precise. —Kristin Guy, Sunset Magazine, 5 Apr. 2023

Prompted at least in part by McCray’s article, the government took a new interest in promoting Japanese culture, and not just the traditional forms such as Noh drama, tea ceremony, and ikebana (flower arranging), but new stuff too. —Marc Bain, Quartz, 21 May 2020

At the center of the space is an open kitchen with a charcoal-grey stone counter that doubles as a plating station and a display for lavish ikebana floral installations. —Melinda Joe, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Mar. 2018

Other displays include origami, haiku inspired by Arizona, swords and ikebana, or flower arrangements. —Kimi Robinson, azcentral, 18 Feb. 2020

Word History

Etymology

Japanese, from ikeru to keep alive, arrange + hana flower

First Known Use

1901, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

ikebana

noun

ike·​ba·​na ˌik-ā-ˈbän-ə 

ˌik-i-,

ˌēk-

: the Japanese art of flower arranging

Etymology

Japanese, from ikeru "to keep alive, arrange" and hana "flower"