atua

/ ˈɑːtuːə /

noun

1. a spirit or demon

Word History and Origins

Origin of atua¹

Māori

Example Sentences

“The mama’s doing the ugly cry! I didn’t show her any rehearsals. She’s never heard me speak in Samoan to that extent. As I’m calling, I’m speaking to God and to atua, and we start our movements and I say, ‘This will be the last face you see before you die,’ and she’s bawling.

From Los Angeles Times

The move was announced by head of state Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Efi to crowds gathered in the capital, Apia.

From BBC

Then Te Atua Wera said, "Give me a gun and some cartridges; I have only a club."

From Project Gutenberg

The fire of Te Tao Nui now began to come closer, and the bullets were cutting down the fern all round them, and the Atua cried out to the bearers of the body to inquire for Heke, and they said he was close behind them.

From Project Gutenberg

So Te Atua waited some time longer, but Heke did not come, and the enemy were getting near, and his mind was disturbed, for he had a presentiment of evil.

From Project Gutenberg