Polynesian

noun

Poly·​ne·​sian ˌpä-lə-ˈnē-zhən How to pronounce Polynesian (audio) -shən How to pronounce Polynesian (audio)
1
: a member of any of the indigenous peoples of Polynesia
2
: a group of Austronesian languages spoken in Polynesia
Polynesian adjective

Examples of Polynesian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Just as the ancient Egyptians moved southward to expand their empires and Polynesians voyaged into uncharted waters, today’s leaders must navigate uncertainty and complexity. Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025 Highlights include Polynesian Islands’ music, food and entertainment. Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Jan. 2025 The early success of the Polynesian Resort Hotel allowed business investors to realize water parks incorporated within hotels could extend the tourist season. Jalen Williams, Detroit Free Press, 26 Dec. 2024 The Island Tower at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows is the latest addition to the historic property. Carly Caramanna, Travel + Leisure, 24 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for Polynesian 

Word History

First Known Use

1807, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Polynesian was in 1807

Dictionary Entries Near Polynesian

Cite this Entry

“Polynesian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Polynesian. Accessed 24 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

Polynesian

noun
Poly·​ne·​sian ˌpäl-ə-ˈnē-zhən How to pronounce Polynesian (audio) -shən How to pronounce Polynesian (audio)
1
: a member of any of the Indigenous peoples of Polynesia
2
: a group of languages spoken in Polynesia
Polynesian adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on Polynesian

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