feng shui

noun

ˈfəŋ-ˈshwā How to pronounce feng shui (audio) -ˈshwē How to pronounce feng shui (audio)
: a Chinese geomantic practice in which a structure or site is chosen or configured so as to harmonize with the spiritual forces that inhabit it
also : orientation, placement, or arrangement according to the precepts of feng shui

Examples of feng shui in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Privacy screens can really improve the feng shui of your outdoor seating area. — Tessa Cooper, The Spruce, 25 Apr. 2026 The store’s two feng shui masters offer guidance on how to arrange a new home to harmonize the flow of qi, cosmic energy, or how to select an auspicious wedding date, for example. — Ko Lyn Cheang, San Francisco Chronicle, 20 Mar. 2026 Raymond Lo, a feng shui practitioner from Hong Kong, describes the Fire Horse as a sign of being seen and moving forward. — Angela Chan-Danisi, Forbes.com, 8 Feb. 2026 Items Stored on Top of Kitchen Cabinets Storing things on top of kitchen cabinets is another feng shui no-no, according to Roynon. — Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for feng shui

Word History

Etymology

Chinese (Beijing) fēngshui geomantic omen, literally, wind-water

First Known Use

1797, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of feng shui was in 1797

Rhymes for feng shui

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Browse Nearby Words

fen groundsel
feng shui
Feng Yü-hsiang
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Cite this Entry

“Feng shui.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/feng%20shui. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

feng shui

noun
ˈfəŋ-ˈshwē How to pronounce feng shui (audio)
-ˈshwā
: a Chinese system for positioning a building and objects within a building in a way that is thought to agree with spiritual forces and to bring health and happiness
Etymology

from Chinese fēng "wind" and shǔi "water"

More from Merriam-Webster on feng shui

Nglish: Translation of feng shui for Spanish Speakers

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