lei

1 of 2

noun (1)

ˈlā  ˈlā-ˌē 

: a wreath or necklace usually of flowers or leaves

lei

2 of 2

noun (2)

ˈlā 

plural of leu

the basic monetary unit of Moldova and Romania see Money Table

Synonyms

Noun (1)

• choker
• collar
• dog collar
• necklace

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

Noun

May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii For nearly 100 years, people in Hawaii have celebrated May Day as Lei Day, with celebratory pageants full of colorful lei flower necklaces taking place at schools, said John Rosa, a professor of Hawaiian history at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. —Claire Thornton, USA TODAY, 1 May 2024

Giving a lei is a fun and beautiful way to show your support for a recent graduate. —Brenna Gauchat, The Arizona Republic, 7 May 2024

In Hawaii, a traditional lei is a wreath of fresh flowers, leaves or shells and represents community, love and friendship. —Brenna Gauchat, The Arizona Republic, 1 May 2024

In Hawaii, shops that serve shave ice, domes of pillowy-soft ice slivers doused in colorful syrups, vie for ubiquity with other local staples like poke places or lei stands. —Matthew Dekneef, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Hawaiian

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1843, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

lei

noun

ˈlā,

ˈla-ˌē

: a wreath or necklace usually of flowers

Etymology

Noun

Hawaiian