Maori

noun

Mao·​ri ˈmau̇(-ə)r-ē 

plural Maori or Maoris

1

: a member of a Polynesian people native to New Zealand

2

: the Polynesian language of the Maori people

Examples of Maori in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The rare sighting, captured on video off the coast of New Zealand and shared by scientists affiliated with the University of Auckland, shows a Maori octopus riding on top of a mako shark, which is the fastest in the world with the ability to swim up to 46 mph. —Brie Stimson, Fox News, 22 Mar. 2025

The intrepid rider was a Maori octopus—the largest octopus in the Southern Hemisphere. —Sara Hashemi, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Mar. 2025

For many, the All Blacks are well-known for performing an intimidating pregame haka dance, a Maori ritual used to fire up the players and fans before a match. —Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 19 Feb. 2025

But Mike Tyson’s Maori tattoo on Ed Helms’ face … not so awardsy. —Steven Zeitchik, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Maori māori, literally, normal, ordinary

First Known Use

1828, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for Maori

• cowrie
• dowry
• floury
• lourie

Kids Definition

Maori

noun

Mao·​ri ˈmau̇(ə)r-ē 

plural Maori or Maoris

1

: a member of an Indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand

2

: the language of the Maori