koa

[ koh-uh ]

noun

1. a Hawaiian acacia, Acacia koa, of the legume family, characterized by spreading branches and gray bark.
2. the hard, red or golden-brown wood of this tree, used for making furniture.

koa

/ ˈkəʊə /

noun

1. a Hawaiian leguminous tree, Acacia koa, yielding a hard wood
2. the reddish wood of this tree, used esp for furniture

Word History and Origins

Origin of koa¹

Borrowed into English from Hawaiian around 1840–50

Word History and Origins

Origin of koa¹

C19: from Hawaiian

Example Sentences

Braves freshman quarterback Koa Malau’ulu couldn’t settle down and felt the need to hurry his passes knowing the Monarchs’ pass rush can be devastating.

From Los Angeles Times

St. John Bosco, under coach Jason Negro, is 8-0 thanks to an improving group of young players, led by freshman quarterback Koa Malau’ulu.

From Los Angeles Times

Koa Malau’ulu with a beautiful throw to Carson Clark for a 32-yard TD for Bosco!

From Los Angeles Times

Koa Malau’ulu, the son of former Carson and Arizona quarterback George Malau’ulu, received his “baptism by fire” in his first start because of an injury to Matai Fuiava.

From Los Angeles Times

St. John Bosco is going with freshman quarterback Koa Malau’ulu because of an injury to starter Matai Fuiava.

From Los Angeles Times