: a wreath or necklace usually of flowers or leaves

lei

2 of 2

noun (2)

plural of leu

the basic monetary unit of Moldova and Romania see Money Table

Examples of lei in a Sentence

Noun (1) we were presented with flowery leis as soon as we stepped off the plane in Hawaii
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.
Noun
Goldberg exclaimed as the mascot placed a lei on her neck. Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Sep. 2025 Check out its weekly lineup of 60-plus activities that span culture (create a lei poʻo, or flower crown, using native blooms) to culinary workshops (learn to make sushi). Forbes Travel Guide, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025 The toddler wore a lei and headband with palm trees on it, looking down at her feet. Hannah Sacks, People.com, 8 Aug. 2025 There are workshops devoted to things like flowery lei making and lomi-lomi massage, and 50-plus vendors offering local artwork, jewelry and apparel. Randy McMullen, Mercury News, 7 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lei

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Hawaiian

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1843, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lei was in 1843

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lei.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lei. Accessed 21 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

lei

noun
ˈlā,
ˈla-ˌē
: a wreath or necklace usually of flowers
Etymology

Noun

Hawaiian

More from Merriam-Webster on lei

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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