variants
or less commonly hula-hula
: a sinuous Polynesian dance characterized by rhythmic movement of the hips and mimetic gestures with the hands and often accompanied by chants and rhythmic drumming
Did you know?
A sinuous Polynesian dance, the hula combines undulating movement of the hips and mimetic hand gestures. The dance is often accompanied by chants, drumming, and music played on instruments such as the ukulele. Originally a religious dance performed to praise the chiefs, contemporary hulas tell a story or describe a place, and are danced exclusively by women. The costume typically includes a raffia skirt with a lei (garland) around the neck.
Examples of hula in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The vibe: Guests can look forward to events like Aloha Fridays, complete with hula performances during the summer.
—
Madalyn Mendoza, Axios, 14 Mar. 2025
She was greeted by her daughter, who ran out in a hula skirt and hugged her.
—Skyler Caruso, People.com, 26 Dec. 2024
But this planet follows a unique trajectory—looping over the top and bottom of the star pair, more like a hula hoop being spun vertically rather than flat.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
Her hobbies of hula dancing and spearfishing showcase her connection to her culture.
—Kristen Moon, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hula
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Madalyn Mendoza, Axios, 14 Mar. 2025
She was greeted by her daughter, who ran out in a hula skirt and hugged her.
—Skyler Caruso, People.com, 26 Dec. 2024
But this planet follows a unique trajectory—looping over the top and bottom of the star pair, more like a hula hoop being spun vertically rather than flat.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Apr. 2025
Her hobbies of hula dancing and spearfishing showcase her connection to her culture.
—Kristen Moon, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hula
Cite this Entry
“Hula.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hula. Accessed 23 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
hula
noun
hu·la
ˈhü-lə 
variants
or hula-hula
ˌhü-lə-ˈhü-lə
: a Polynesian dance composed of slow rhythmic body movements usually accompanied by chants and drumming
Etymology
from Hawaiian (Indigenous language of Hawaii)
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share