lei

1 of 2

noun (1)

ˈlā  ˈlā-ˌē 

: a wreath or necklace usually of flowers or leaves

lei

2 of 2

noun (2)

ˈlā 

plural of leu

: the basic monetary unit of Moldova and Romania see Money Table

Synonyms of lei

Noun (1)

• necklace

Examples of lei in a Sentence

Noun (1)

we were presented with flowery leis as soon as we stepped off the plane in Hawaii

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

There’s Kui Lei-making, where visitors hear the history of the lei while learning to sew one; traditional bamboo stamp printing; or coconut frond weaving, which Native Hawaiians have practiced for millennia. — Stephanie Vermillion, Vogue, 17 Sep. 2026

Lei Making In Hawaii, United States At Hale Akua in Hawaii, guests can take part in a lei-making class that introduces the cultural meaning behind the flowers, leaves and seeds. — Emese MacZko, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026

The museum also hosts weekly Hawaiian cultural classes, such as lei making and hula dancing. — Sharael Kolberg, Travel + Leisure, 26 June 2026

The property also has cultural activities, lei-making classes, hula lessons, and other family-friendly programming. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Hawaiian

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1843, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for lei

• ay
• bay
• bey
• brae
• cay
• chez
• dey
• dray
• fay
• fey
• flay
• fray

Kids Definition

lei

noun

ˈlā, 

ˈla-ˌē

: a wreath or necklace usually of flowers

Etymology

Noun

Hawaiian