lei
1 Americannoun
plural
leisnoun
noun
noun
Etymology
Origin of lei
Borrowed into English from Hawaiian around 1835–45
Explanation
In Hawaii, a sweet-smelling garland of flowers is called a lei. Traditional hula dancers often wear elaborate leis made of ferns, leaves, and blossoms. Leis are such an important part of Hawaiian culture that May 1 is known as "Lei Day" and is celebrated across all the islands. It's also customary to give leis to special guests, brides and grooms, funeral mourners, retirees, and people celebrating birthdays. The custom extends to other parts of Polynesia, including Samoa and Tahiti. The Hawaiian root of lei means "ornament worn about the neck or head."
Vocabulary lists containing lei
The House Swap
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Dragonfruit
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
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.
He added a bookshelf, filling it with items, such as Daniel’s boyhood rock collection and a lei from their trip to Maui.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 5, 2025
In return he promised monthly top-up payments of 5,000 Moldovan lei to pensioners, or about £200.
From BBC • Oct. 19, 2024
Kumu Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu draped lei on the fence.
From Washington Times • Oct. 25, 2023
“We think that our ancestors joined hands and formed a lei of alii around our homes, protecting us from the ensuing flames,” Beamer said.
From Seattle Times • Sep. 30, 2023
He gathers my hair into his hands and caresses the back of my neck before letting the lei fall into place.
From "Everything, Everything" by Nicola Yoon
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
