ahu

1 of 2

noun (1)

ˈä-ˌhü
plural -s
: the common gazelle (Gazella subgutturosa) of central Asia

ahu

2 of 2

noun (2)

ˈä-ˌhü
plural -s
1
Polynesia : a mound or stone heap serving as a boundary, waymark, or memorial
2
: a sacred Polynesian burial place

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Persian āhū, from Middle Persian āhūk

Noun (2)

Hawaiian, Maori, Tahitian, & Marquesan

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1791, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1917, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of ahu was in 1791

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Dictionary Entries Near ahu

Cite this Entry

“Ahu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ahu. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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