koi

noun

ˈkȯi

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

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.

My personal pets are the most beautiful koi fish given to me by a friend of mine who raises them. — Eileen Finan, PEOPLE, 26 Nov. 2025 Here, younger children might like to feed the koi or make new friends at the pool, while teens can go sea kayaking, learn to hula, or make leis. — Kara Williams, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026 The only downside is losing a few koi, but, thankfully, the wildlife tends to steer clear of us during the day. — Jack Beresford, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 Aug. 2025 Lyra fed the koi each morning and learned the names of the four parrots that live in the Grand Hyatt’s open-air lobby. — Brianna Randall, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026 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

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Browse Nearby Words

Kohuana

koi

Koiari

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Koi.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/koi. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

koi

noun

ˈkȯi

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

koi

noun

Examples of koi in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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