hula

noun

hu·​la ˈhü-lə 

variants or less commonly hula-hula

ˌhü-lə-ˈhü-lə 

: a sinuous Polynesian dance characterized by rhythmic movement of the hips and mimetic gestures with the hands and often accompanied by chants and rhythmic drumming

Did you know?

A sinuous Polynesian dance, the hula combines undulating movement of the hips and mimetic hand gestures. The dance is often accompanied by chants, drumming, and music played on instruments such as the ukulele. Originally a religious dance performed to praise the chiefs, contemporary hulas tell a story or describe a place, and are danced exclusively by women. The costume typically includes a raffia skirt with a lei (garland) around the neck.

Examples of hula in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In Glitch, gone are the 600-plus experiments running amok, and instead Lilo and Stitch team up for a hula competition. —Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 24 July 2024

Classes in lei-making and hula dancing are provided at the hotel for all ages. —Robin Raven, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

There were contests such as pie-eating and hula hooping and the baby classic and mutt show; bands played all weekend, there were games and carnival rides, tons to eat and more. —Heather McRea, Orange County Register, 20 Oct. 2024

Our trial run at the indoor ski school near our house ended in tears, and my attempts to shepherd her down the bunny slope using a hula hoop was also a disaster. —Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Hawaiian

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

hula

noun

hu·​la ˈhü-lə 

variants or hula-hula

ˌhü-lə-ˈhü-lə

: a Polynesian dance composed of slow rhythmic body movements usually accompanied by chants and drumming

Etymology

from Hawaiian (Indigenous language of Hawaii)