Polynesian

noun

Poly·​ne·​sian ˌpä-lə-ˈnē-zhən How to pronounce Polynesian (audio) -shən How to pronounce Polynesian (audio)
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

Recent Examples on the Web
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Others, like Polynesian Resort, offer unique activities, like an electric water pageant, and fishing, which is offered at The Wilderness Lodge. Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 16 May 2025 Most celebrated is the work of the Polynesian Voyaging Society. The Conversation, 14 May 2025 Key ingredients: Vitamin C, French Polynesian kopara Size: 1.9 fl. Danielle Sinay, Glamour, 8 May 2025 McMillan was born in Hawaii and was named Polynesian College Football Player of the Year by the Polynesian Football Hall of Fame. Jason Jones, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for Polynesian

Word History

First Known Use

1807, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Polynesian was in 1807

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Cite this Entry

“Polynesian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Polynesian. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

Polynesian

noun
Poly·​ne·​sian ˌpäl-ə-ˈnē-zhən How to pronounce Polynesian (audio) -shən How to pronounce Polynesian (audio)
1
: a member of any of the Indigenous peoples of Polynesia
2
: a group of languages spoken in Polynesia
Polynesian adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on Polynesian

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