variants
or Haka
plural hakas or Hakas
: a traditional Maori dance that is typically performed in a group and involves rhythmic usually vigorous movements (such as foot stamping, body slapping, and swaying), intimidating postures and facial expressions, and loud chanting and that is expressive especially of pride, strength, and unity
… the Maoris fall in with 200 other shirtless men and begin the haka. They shout, roll their eyes, stick out their tongues as far as they will stretch and make threatening gestures at an unseen foe.—Ben Machell
In New Zealand, groups have performed the Haka, an ancient Maori war dance of forceful pride and unity.—Sarah L. Kaufman
One of the ordeals any [rugby] team playing New Zealand must face is enduring the haka. … It is as menacing a spectacle as any in sport, 15 black-clad, muscular warriors all chanting together in perfect time, gesturing with fist, flexing their arms, grimacing, and issuing a final bloodcurdling shout as they leap high into the air.—Huw Richards
Cite this Entry
“Haka.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/haka. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.
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