variants
or less commonly hula-hula
: a sinuous Polynesian dance characterized by rhythmic movement of the hips and mimetic gestures with the hands and often accompanied by chants and rhythmic drumming
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A sinuous Polynesian dance, the hula combines undulating movement of the hips and mimetic hand gestures. The dance is often accompanied by chants, drumming, and music played on instruments such as the ukulele. Originally a religious dance performed to praise the chiefs, contemporary hulas tell a story or describe a place, and are danced exclusively by women. The costume typically includes a raffia skirt with a lei (garland) around the neck.
Examples of hula in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Subclubs have sprung up in states from California all the way to North Carolina, where women gather to jump rope, hula hoop, dance, hopscotch and build friendships.
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Erica Olsen,
CBS News,
28 June 2026
The property also has cultural activities, lei-making classes, hula lessons, and other family-friendly programming.
—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
26 May 2026
Local businesses provided food and prizes, parents chipped in with decorations and the students brought their own fun activity supplies such as the Twister game, hula hoops, hacky sack balls, four square balls, a large Connect Four game, a cornhole game, Frisbees and music.
—
Elizabeth Marie Himchak,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 May 2026
Programming includes hula hooping, breathwork, DIY spa treatments, essential oil blending, discussions on body literacy rooted in menstrual cycle awareness, cacao, a dress-up dance party and an optional nature walk and movie night.
—
Lauren Schuster,
Sacbee.com,
20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for hula
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Erica Olsen,
CBS News,
28 June 2026
The property also has cultural activities, lei-making classes, hula lessons, and other family-friendly programming.
—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
26 May 2026
Local businesses provided food and prizes, parents chipped in with decorations and the students brought their own fun activity supplies such as the Twister game, hula hoops, hacky sack balls, four square balls, a large Connect Four game, a cornhole game, Frisbees and music.
—
Elizabeth Marie Himchak,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 May 2026
Programming includes hula hooping, breathwork, DIY spa treatments, essential oil blending, discussions on body literacy rooted in menstrual cycle awareness, cacao, a dress-up dance party and an optional nature walk and movie night.
—
Lauren Schuster,
Sacbee.com,
20 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for hula
Cite this Entry
“Hula.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hula. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
hula
noun
hu·la
ˈhü-lə 
variants
or hula-hula
ˌhü-lə-ˈhü-lə
: a Polynesian dance composed of slow rhythmic body movements usually accompanied by chants and drumming
Etymology
from Hawaiian (Indigenous language of Hawaii)
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