Hawaiian

noun

Ha·​wai·​ian hə-ˈwä-yən 

-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

There’s no doubt that the Royal Hawaiian has a fascinating history that’s honored throughout the grounds. —Robin Raven, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025

They are joined by Hawaiian slack key guitar virtuoso Stephen Inglis. —Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 22 Feb. 2025

There are a number of airlines, such as Hawaiian Airlines and Qantas Airways, that have never had a fatal plane crash. —Ramishah Maruf, CNN, 21 Feb. 2025

However, Season 3 features the return of Natasha Rothwell as Belinda Lindsey, the visiting spa manager from the Hawaiian White Lotus. —Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 18 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing Hawaiian

• Hawaiian goose
• Hawaiian guitar
• Hawaiian shirt

Rhymes for Hawaiian

• ixion
• orion
• procyon
• visayan
• amphitryon
• dandelion
• heian
• ion
• lion
• mayan
• scion

Kids Definition

Hawaiian

noun

Ha·​wai·​ian hə-ˈwä-yən 

-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