variants
or less commonly hula-hula
: a sinuous Polynesian dance characterized by rhythmic movement of the hips and mimetic gestures with the hands and often accompanied by chants and rhythmic drumming
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A sinuous Polynesian dance, the hula combines undulating movement of the hips and mimetic hand gestures. The dance is often accompanied by chants, drumming, and music played on instruments such as the ukulele. Originally a religious dance performed to praise the chiefs, contemporary hulas tell a story or describe a place, and are danced exclusively by women. The costume typically includes a raffia skirt with a lei (garland) around the neck.
Examples of hula in a Sentence
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Meanwhile, an abundance of culinary options (chef Roy Yamaguchi’s two restaurants) and interactive offerings (hula lessons, kayak turtle tours) await on the property’s 22 acres.
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Forbes Travel Guide, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
His final putt circled the hole before dropping, prompting Curry to celebrate by twisting his hips in hula fashion.
—Cam Inman, Mercury News, 11 July 2025
The event also includes a hula hoop competition, kids art activities, a vibrant libations garden, amazing giveaways and more fun for all ages, including a live performance by the Battle of the Bands youth winners The Long View and local legends SUNBENDR, according to a news release.
—Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 June 2025
The celebration of tiki and Polynesian culture had to say aloha to new locations when the South Florida hula hot spot — formally called the Mai-Kai Restaurant and Polynesian Show — famously closed in October 2020 because of damages caused by a burst sprinkler pipe.
—Rod Stafford Hagwood, Sun Sentinel, 3 June 2025
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Forbes Travel Guide, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
His final putt circled the hole before dropping, prompting Curry to celebrate by twisting his hips in hula fashion.
—Cam Inman, Mercury News, 11 July 2025
The event also includes a hula hoop competition, kids art activities, a vibrant libations garden, amazing giveaways and more fun for all ages, including a live performance by the Battle of the Bands youth winners The Long View and local legends SUNBENDR, according to a news release.
—Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 June 2025
The celebration of tiki and Polynesian culture had to say aloha to new locations when the South Florida hula hot spot — formally called the Mai-Kai Restaurant and Polynesian Show — famously closed in October 2020 because of damages caused by a burst sprinkler pipe.
—Rod Stafford Hagwood, Sun Sentinel, 3 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for hula
Cite this Entry
“Hula.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hula. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
hula
noun
hu·la
ˈhü-lə 
variants
or hula-hula
ˌhü-lə-ˈhü-lə
: a Polynesian dance composed of slow rhythmic body movements usually accompanied by chants and drumming
Etymology
from Hawaiian (Indigenous language of Hawaii)
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