toa

[ tohuh ]

noun

1. in various Indigenous Polynesian cultures, a fearless warrior.
2. a tall hardwood tree ( Casuarina equisetifolia ) native to Southeast Asia, Australia, and Polynesia: used by the Indigenous inhabitants of Polynesia to make tools and weapons.

Word History and Origins

Origin of toa¹

First recorded in 1775–85; toa def 1 from Maori; toa def 2 from one of the Polynesian languages, perhaps also Maori

Example Sentences

Toa Fa’avae ran 17 times for 162 yards and completed six of nine passes for De La Salle, winner of 31 consecutive North Coast Section titles.

From Los Angeles Times

But Tonga responded brilliantly, and expertly worked tries arrived through Toa, after a slick passing move, and Frizell following a clever grubber kick.

From BBC

Tonga showed they will be no pushovers as the first Pacific island nation to tour England, leading early on through Starford Toa and Tyson Frizell.

From BBC

Ka Mate was composed around 1820 by chief Te Rauparaha of the Ngati Toa tribe.

From Seattle Times

Noa became USC’s first true freshman to start at left guard in a season opener since Toa Lobendahn in 2014.

From Los Angeles Times