Melanesian

noun

Mel·​a·​ne·​sian ˌme-lə-ˈnē-zhən How to pronounce Melanesian (audio)
-shən
1
: a member of the dominant native group of Melanesia
2
: a language group consisting of the Austronesian languages of Melanesia
Melanesian adjective

Word History

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Melanesian was in 1845

Dictionary Entries Near Melanesian

Cite this Entry

“Melanesian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Melanesian. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

Melanesian

noun
Mel·​a·​ne·​sian ˌmel-ə-ˈnē-zhən How to pronounce Melanesian (audio)
-shən
: a member of the most numerous native group of Melanesia
Melanesian adjective
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