Hawaiian

UK: həˈwaɪ.ən | US: həˈwaɪ.ən

Definition

  1. adj. relating to Hawaii, its people, or their language

  2. n. a native or inhabitant of Hawaii

  3. n. the Polynesian language of the Hawaiian people

Structure

No data yet.

Etymology

The word "Hawaiian" derives directly from "Hawaii," the name of the Pacific island group, combined with the English suffix "-an," which indicates association or origin (e.g., "American," "Italian"). "Hawaii" itself comes from the Proto-Polynesian *hawaiki, meaning "homeland" or "place of the gods." The suffix "-an" was added during English adaptation to form the demonym.

Examples

  1. She wore a traditional Hawaiian lei during the ceremony.

  2. Hawaiian is one of the official languages of the state of Hawaii.

  3. The Hawaiian islands are known for their volcanic landscapes.

  4. He studied Hawaiian culture and history in college.

  5. The Hawaiian alphabet has only 12 letters.