Polynesian
noun
Poly·ne·sian
ˌpä-lə-ˈnē-zhən 
-shən
-shən
1
: a member of any of the indigenous peoples of Polynesia
2
: a group of Austronesian languages spoken in Polynesia
Polynesian
adjective
Examples of Polynesian in a Sentence
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Seven islands have tour operators accredited by the French Polynesian Environment Direction that offer visitors a chance to swim with whales under regulated conditions.
—
Emese MacZko, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Indeed, while French Polynesia is hardly unknown, this archipelago within French Polynesia—believed to be among the first settled by Polynesians more than 2,000 years ago—is one of the most remote groups of islands in the world.
—Jeri Clausing, AFAR Media, 24 Mar. 2025
Both Moana and Maui have presences in Disney theme parks and resorts, including Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows in Orlando, Florida, and the Aulani Resort in Kapolei, Hawaii.
—Simon Thompson, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
What viewers might not know is that this popular Disney character is based on real-life Polynesians who are reviving the ancient art and science of wayfinding.
—Brianna Randall, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
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Emese MacZko, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
Indeed, while French Polynesia is hardly unknown, this archipelago within French Polynesia—believed to be among the first settled by Polynesians more than 2,000 years ago—is one of the most remote groups of islands in the world.
—Jeri Clausing, AFAR Media, 24 Mar. 2025
Both Moana and Maui have presences in Disney theme parks and resorts, including Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows in Orlando, Florida, and the Aulani Resort in Kapolei, Hawaii.
—Simon Thompson, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
What viewers might not know is that this popular Disney character is based on real-life Polynesians who are reviving the ancient art and science of wayfinding.
—Brianna Randall, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for Polynesian
Cite this Entry
“Polynesian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Polynesian. Accessed 3 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
Polynesian
noun
Poly·ne·sian
ˌpäl-ə-ˈnē-zhən
-shən
-shən
1
: a member of any of the Indigenous peoples of Polynesia
2
: a group of languages spoken in Polynesia
Polynesian
adjective
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