Polynesian

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

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

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

noun

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

Polynesian

/ ˌpɒlɪˈniːʒən, -ʒɪən /

adjective

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

noun

a member of the people that inhabit Polynesia, generally of Caucasoid features with light skin and wavy hair
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

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Word History and Origins

Origin of Polynesian¹

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

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The original “Moana,” which was inspired by Polynesian mythology, earned the mantle of most streamed movie on Disney+.

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With rising sea levels, the ocean - or Moana, as it's called in Māori and many other Polynesian languages - remains their greatest threat, but it is also their biggest provider.

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The animated musical about the seafaring Polynesian princess delivered a domestic Thanksgiving Day haul of $28 million — the largest Turkey Day bounty ever, according to studio estimates released Friday.

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That first film, which celebrates the strength and power of young girls — as well as Polynesian culture with reverence and specificity — was a balm in the uncertain November of 2016.

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The original story of an adventurous Polynesian girl who sets sail on a mission to save her people was a box office hit eight years ago.

From

Polynesia polyneuritis

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