English

Noun

yokozuna ‎(plural yokozunas or yokozuna)

1. (sumo) The highest rank of sumo wrestler, above ozeki; a grand champion.
   • 1997, 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. — Arthur Golden, Memoirs of a Geisha (Vintage 1998, p. 202)

Usage notes

• Technically, yokozuna is an honorary title, rather than a rank.