Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word
yokozuna. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
yokozuna, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
yokozuna in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
yokozuna you have here. The definition of the word
yokozuna will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
yokozuna, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Etymology
From Japanese 横綱 (yokozuna, “wide rope”), the symbol of their rank worn about the waist.
Pronunciation
Noun
yokozuna (plural yokozunas or yokozuna)
- (sumo) The highest rank of sumo wrestler, above ozeki; grand champion.
1997, Arthur Golden, Memoirs of a Geisha, Vintage, page 202:A yokozuna is the very highest rank in sumo – “just like Mameha's position in Gion,” as Nobu explained it to me. I had no reason to doubt him; but if Mameha ever took half as much time entering a party as these yokozuna took entering the ring, she'd certainly never be invited back.
- (sumo) A person holding the rank, either competing at the rank or retired after having achieved it.
2006, Mark Panek, Gaijin Yokozuna: A Biography of Chad Rowan, page 265:What mattered most was that, from the very top of the Nihon Sumo Kyōkai, Yokozuna Akebono had been shown respect.
Usage notes
- Technically, yokozuna is an honorary title, rather than a rank.
Translations