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kahuna

American  
[kuh-hoo-nuh] / kəˈhu nə /

noun

  1. (in Hawaii) a Native medicine man or priest.


Etymology

Origin of kahuna

Borrowed into English from Hawaiian around 1885–90

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But the big kahuna of consumer deflation is electronics.

From Salon • Apr. 6, 2024

Still, there were others: The heart-tugging “CODA” had a great night, winning best supporting actor, best adapted screenplay and the big kahuna, best picture, ending the ceremony on an ebullient note.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 28, 2022

Robin Hood, the big kahuna of charity dinners, raised $77.5 million to fight poverty in New York City; the Oct.

From New York Times • Oct. 22, 2021

The Rebate Project, though, is the big kahuna.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 23, 2021

“Can you imagine if you were a kahuna here?”

From "Clairboyance" by Kristiana Kahakauwila