kahuna

noun

kə-ˈhü-nə How to pronounce kahuna (audio)
Definition of kahunanext
as in heavyweight
one of high position or importance within a group a big kahuna at a Hollywood talent agency, he's got the fancy car to prove it

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of kahuna The China tariff deal—not yet done—is the big kahuna in all of this. — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2025 But EnCharge is entering a competitive field, and among the competitors is the big kahuna, Nvidia. — IEEE Spectrum, 2 June 2025 This has to be a big kahuna, among records Swift could break that go back to the very beginning of the album chart. — Chris Willman, Variety, 19 June 2024 As an inside joke, Keōua’s kahuna, whose tongue Ka’iana rips out of his mouth in front of Keōua during the hectic battle, is played by Kahoʻokahi Kanuha, Momoa’s ʻŌlelo Hawai’i coach. — Max Gao, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019 See All Example Sentences for kahuna
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kahuna
  1. heavyweight
  2. big
  3. heavy
  4. king
  5. queen
  6. lion
  7. magnate
Noun
  • Last month, technology heavyweights such as Microsoft, Palantir and Nvidia signed a letter urging policymakers to avoid restricting open-weight models and suppressing competition.
    — Samantha Subin, CNBC, 3 Aug. 2026
  • The upbeat results lifted global tech stocks, including major gains for Asian heavyweights.
    — Jeronimo Gonzalez, semafor.com, 31 July 2026
Definition of heavyweight
Noun
  • As for other options to add rim-protecting bigs, Hassan Whiteside is available for a Heat reunion.
    — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 4 Aug. 2026
  • That gives Okot more opportunities to develop alongside the second unit with Naz Hillmon while learning to play alongside both veteran bigs.
    — Micahya Costen, AJC.com, 28 July 2026
Definition of big
Noun
  • Dallas Caton’s bass-heavy production lays the foundation for the frantic and propulsive record.
    — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 31 July 2026
  • Soon after Rhaenyra executes Otto Hightower, who was once mastermind of that family’s schemes, Ormund steps up to be the faction’s new heavy.
    — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 13 July 2026
Definition of heavy
Noun
  • Caesar went on to live with the king’s wife, Queen Alexandra, until his death in 1914.
    — Audrey Schmidt, PEOPLE, 9 Aug. 2026
  • According to local tradition, the weaving craft dates to when Princess Wencheng introduced weaving techniques to Tibet after marrying the king.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026
Definition of king
Noun
  • Spotting white bugs on your hibiscus, that tropical queen of the patio, can put a damper on your gardening efforts.
    — Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Aug. 2026
  • In addition to this year's king and queen, Monroe Edwards was named the 2026 Bud Billiken Crown Princess.
    — Shardaa Gray, CBS News, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of queen
Noun
  • This male and female pair was originally designed for the 1893 World’s Fair in plaster by Edward Kemeys, who also did the Art Institute lions.
    — Mary Wisniewski, Chicago Tribune, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Outside, stately lion statues surround the pool, while Chippendale-style faux-bamboo chairs bring a relaxed touch to the covered outdoor dining area.
    — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of lion
Noun
  • One of his earliest and most public successes was the restoration of John Jacob Astor IV, the ultra-wealthy Manhattan business magnate who drowned with the Titanic.
    — John Semley, Harpers Magazine, 28 July 2026
  • But the great-grandson became wealthy in his own right as a magnate and pioneer in the New York hotel industry.
    — Irene S. Levine, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
Definition of magnate

Browse Nearby Words

Kafkaesque
kahuna
kahunas
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Kahuna.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kahuna. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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