Kanak

noun

Ka·​nak kə-ˈnäk How to pronounce Kanak (audio) -ˈnak How to pronounce Kanak (audio)
: a native Melanesian inhabitant of New Caledonia

Word History

Etymology

French canaque, probably from English Kanaka South Sea islander, from Hawaiian, person

First Known Use

1910, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Kanak was in 1910

Dictionary Entries Near Kanak

Cite this Entry

“Kanak.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Kanak. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.

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