variants
or less commonly hula-hula
: 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
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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
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
Correspondent Lee Cowan talked with teachers and students of the art of hula – an ancient form of storytelling that preserves the culture and grace of the Hawaiian people.
—David Morgan, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2024
Joan took a tour of the mansion with Pascal, hula hooped with first impression rose recipient Keith and spoke with Gil about the 2019 death of his wife.
—Dana Rose Falcone, Peoplemag, 26 Sep. 2024
As the torches of the Old Lahaina Luau flicker, bartenders mix mai tais and hula dancers get ready.
—Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 31 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for hula 
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Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 30 Oct. 2024
Correspondent Lee Cowan talked with teachers and students of the art of hula – an ancient form of storytelling that preserves the culture and grace of the Hawaiian people.
—David Morgan, CBS News, 1 Aug. 2024
Joan took a tour of the mansion with Pascal, hula hooped with first impression rose recipient Keith and spoke with Gil about the 2019 death of his wife.
—Dana Rose Falcone, Peoplemag, 26 Sep. 2024
As the torches of the Old Lahaina Luau flicker, bartenders mix mai tais and hula dancers get ready.
—Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 31 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for hula
Dictionary Entries Near hula
Cite this Entry
“Hula.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hula. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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)
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