Hawaiian

noun

Ha·​wai·​ian hə-ˈwä-yən How to pronounce Hawaiian (audio)
-ˈwī-(y)ən,
-ˈwȯ-yən
1
: a native or resident of Hawaii
especially : one of Polynesian ancestry

Note: In Hawaii, the word Hawaiian is understood as an ethnic designation for a native person of Polynesian descent, and its use in the more general sense "a resident of Hawaii" is considered an error.

2
: the Polynesian language of the Hawaiians
Hawaiian adjective

Examples of Hawaiian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The filing also details the acquisition of Hawaiian Holdings, Inc., which was completed on September 18, 2024, for a total purchase consideration of $977 million. Quartz Bot, Quartz, 8 Nov. 2024 Buying airline miles just got a lot more rewarding with a limited-time sale from Hawaiian Airlines, especially as the carrier combines its frequent flier program with Alaska Airlines. Stella Shon, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2024 The race for seats on the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) Board of Trustees is also significant. Jeremy Yurow, USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2024 According to the grocery store, this year’s Thanksgiving list includes a Shady Brook Farms Frozen Whole Turkey, fresh yellow onions, russet potatoes, green beans, cranberry sauce, and Hawaiian Sweet Rolls. Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for Hawaiian 

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Hawaiian was in 1840

Dictionary Entries Near Hawaiian

Cite this Entry

“Hawaiian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Hawaiian. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

Hawaiian

noun
Ha·​wai·​ian hə-ˈwä-yən How to pronounce Hawaiian (audio)
-ˈwī(y)ən,
-ˈwȯ-yən
1
: a person born or living in Hawaii
especially : one of Polynesian ancestry
2
: the Polynesian language of the Hawaiians
Hawaiian adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on Hawaiian

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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