tatami

noun

ta·​ta·​mi tä-ˈtä-mē How to pronounce tatami (audio)
ta-
plural tatami or tatamis
: straw matting used as a floor covering in a Japanese home

Examples of tatami in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web From tatami floors and futon beds to hot spring baths and Yutaka, or lounge clothes, ryokan lodging provides a meaningful visit for many travelers. Andrea Romano, Travel + Leisure, 19 May 2024 Near the dining area is a tatami mat room in which the couple, instead of hosting tea ceremonies, like to share dessert. Kurt Soller Josh Robenstone, New York Times, 17 May 2024 Handmade tatami mats were also customized, veiled in sheer black Setchu fabric, while ceramic stools had a removable lid that can be used as an ikebana tray; ceremonial candles were made with organic wax. Tiziana Cardini, Vogue, 23 Apr. 2024 Each one is an ode to Japanese interior elements, furnished with tatami mats, shoji (panels lined with rice paper) and cypress soaking tubs. John Wogan, New York Times, 1 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for tatami 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tatami.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Japanese

First Known Use

1614, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tatami was in 1614

Dictionary Entries Near tatami

Cite this Entry

“Tatami.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tatami. Accessed 2 Jul. 2024.

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