koi

noun

ˈkȯi How to pronounce koi (audio)
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.
The koi fish will be part of the design, too. — Rose Androwich, jsonline.com, 6 Aug. 2025 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 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

Browse Nearby Words

Kohuana
koi
Koiari
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Koi.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/koi. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

koi

noun
ˈkȯi How to pronounce koi (audio)
: a carp that has been bred to be of various bright colors and is often stocked in ornamental ponds

More from Merriam-Webster on koi

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about koi

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