mana

noun

ma·​na ˈmä-nə How to pronounce mana (audio)
1
: the power of the elemental forces of nature embodied in an object or person
2
: moral authority : prestige

Examples of mana in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web New York’s cultural notables were being blessed or knighted, infused with the divine mana of creativity. John Ganz, Harper's Magazine, 14 Mar. 2010 Surfers talk of feeling the mana, a Polynesian word for spiritual energy, here. Jen Murphy, Robb Report, 10 Dec. 2023 Te Aika told me that, after centuries of European colonialism, his community has been reasserting its mana, or traditional authority, over native species. Matthew Hutson, The New Yorker, 9 Aug. 2023 Akana also sees the portrait itself as an embodiment of Queen Liliʻuokalani’s mana, or spirit. Kate C. Lemay, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 July 2023 See all Example Sentences for mana 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'mana.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

of Polynesian origin; akin to Hawaiian & Maori mana mana

First Known Use

circa 1843, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of mana was circa 1843

Dictionary Entries Near mana

Cite this Entry

“Mana.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mana. Accessed 11 Oct. 2024.

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