Polynesian

noun

Poly·​ne·​sian ˌpä-lə-ˈnē-zhən How to pronounce Polynesian (audio) -shən How to pronounce Polynesian (audio)
1
: a member of any of the Indigenous peoples of Polynesia
2
: a group of Austronesian languages spoken in Polynesia
Polynesian adjective

Examples of Polynesian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Room amenities are sustainable and locally made, with Polynesian Monoi presented in recycled, refillable flasks. Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 May 2026 Tiki culture with its Polynesian, Melanesian, and Micronesian influences led to scores of escapist cocktail bars from the 1930’s to the 1970’s. Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026 An involuntary manslaughter investigation was launched by the French Polynesian Police (FPP) following the incident, but was later dismissed, according to the outlets. Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 29 Apr. 2026 Lemon, who grew up in California and has Native Hawaiian roots, was named the Polynesian College Football Co-Player of the Year in 2025. Tom Ignudo, CBS News, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for Polynesian

Word History

First Known Use

1807, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Polynesian was in 1807

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Cite this Entry

“Polynesian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Polynesian. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

Polynesian

noun
Poly·​ne·​sian ˌpäl-ə-ˈnē-zhən How to pronounce Polynesian (audio) -shən How to pronounce Polynesian (audio)
1
: a member of any of the Indigenous peoples of Polynesia
2
: a group of languages spoken in Polynesia
Polynesian adjective

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