Polynesian

[ pol-uh-nee-zhuhn, -shuhn ]

adjective

1. of or relating to Polynesia, its inhabitants, or their languages.

noun

1. a member of any of a number of peoples originating from and inhabiting Polynesia, and speaking closely related Austronesian languages.
2. the easternmost group of Austronesian languages, including Maori, Tahitian, Samoan, Hawaiian, and the language of Easter Island.

Polynesian

/ ˌpɒlɪˈniːʒən; -ʒɪən /

adjective

1. of or relating to Polynesia, its people, or any of their languages

noun

1. a member of the people that inhabit Polynesia, generally of Caucasoid features with light skin and wavy hair
2. a branch of the Malayo-Polynesian family of languages, including Māori and Hawaiian and a number of other closely related languages of the S and central Pacific

Word History and Origins

Origin of Polynesian¹

First recorded in 1805–15; Polynesi(a) + -an

Example Sentences

Most had settled along the defensive or offensive fronts, where Polynesian prospects were so often penciled in.

From Los Angeles Times

The high-pitched Polynesian rallying cry he occasionally breaks out, which has been compared to something out of a Moana movie, reflected his enthusiasm.

From Los Angeles Times

This tribute included a panel discussion, a performance by Polynesian dance troupe the Dancing Fire, and the culminating, staged virgin sacrifice into a smoke-bellowing volcano.

From Los Angeles Times

Set largely on a French Polynesian island that has become an unlikely bargaining chip in a battle over the future of humanity, the novel shifts across a group of scholars, entrepreneurs, artists and oceanographers.

From Los Angeles Times

The “Saturday Night Live” comedian reportedly resigned from his surfing correspondent duties before the events on the French Polynesian island came to an end Wednesday.

From Los Angeles Times