pareu

[ pahr-ey-oo ]

noun

1. lavalava.
2. Also pa·re·o []. a length of cloth, especially of a brightly colored print, wrapped on the body like a lavalava and worn by women as a cover-up, skirt, dress, or the like.

pareu

/ ˈpɑːreɪˌuː /

noun

1. a rectangle of fabric worn by Polynesians as a skirt or loincloth

Word History and Origins

Origin of pareu¹

Borrowed into English from Tahitian around 1855–60

Word History and Origins

Origin of pareu¹

from Tahitian

Example Sentences

Released in the U.S. last month, her two patterns, Aruhine and Pareu, offer a new vision of vahine identity.

From Seattle Times

A thin fringed towel, of the kind found at Turkish hammams, not only dries quickly but can also double as a colorful pareu or scarf.

From New York Times

Around his loins was a scarlet pareu; he had discarded his bathing-suit as too civilized.

From Project Gutenberg

He drew his pareu tight around him and slipped through the bushes; as he neared the tree he saw another figure approaching it with equal stealth from the opposite direction; the setting sun was reflected from the burnished brown of the savage's shoulders.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Pottle's eyes fell on his own scarlet pareu and the brownish legs beneath it.

From Project Gutenberg