Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

alii

noun
\äˈlēˌē\
variants: or ariki \äˈrē(ˌ)kē \ or arii \äˈrēˌē \
plural alii or ariki or arii

Definition of alii 

: a Polynesian chief, noble, or king

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

First Known Use of alii

1825, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for alii

Hawaiian & Samoan ali'i, Maori & Rarotongan ariki, Tahitian ari'i

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about alii

Statistics for alii

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for alii

The first known use of alii was in 1825

See more words from the same year

Comments on alii

What made you want to look up alii? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

millefleur

having a pattern of small flowers

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Find the Cousins

  • a-large-tree-with-many-branches
  • Which pair shares a common word ancestor?
True or False

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games