tiki

[ tee-kee ]

noun

1. (initial capital letter) (in Polynesian mythology) the first man on earth.
2. (in Polynesian cultures) a carved image, as of a god or ancestor, sometimes worn as a pendant around the neck.

tiki

/ ˈtiːkɪ /

noun

1. an amulet or figurine in the form of a carved representation of an ancestor, worn in some Māori cultures

verb

1. intr to take a scenic tour around an area

Word History and Origins

Origin of tiki¹

1875–80; < Maori and Marquesan

Word History and Origins

Origin of tiki¹

from Māori

Example Sentences

The latter is especially true of the tiki mugs from Death & Co., the award-winning, trendsetting national cocktail bar with a foothold in the Arts District.

From Los Angeles Times

This new mishap left only the historic Pacific Seas tiki bar ready for limited weekend reservations.

From Los Angeles Times

This reporter attended the inaugural 2023 Exotikon event on behalf of tiki lifestyle magazine Exotica Moderne and bore witness to possibly the biggest celebration of tiki culture that Los Angeles has experienced.

From Los Angeles Times

Their Silver Lake condo suited their urban lifestyle: strolling around the reservoir, walking to the local grocery store and frequenting their favorite tiki bar, Tiki-Ti.

From Los Angeles Times

When the men's team last enjoyed a period of dominance - in the late 2000s and early 2010s - they were renowned for their short passing and 'tiki taka' style of football.

From BBC