motu

1 of 2

noun (1)

mo·​tu
ˈmō(ˌ)tü
plural motu or motus
: a Polynesian reef islet with vegetation

Motu

2 of 2

noun (2)

Mo·​tu
ˈmō(ˌ)tü
plural Motu or Motus
1
a
: a Melanesian people in New Guinea
b
: a member of such people
2
: the language of the Motu people used in trade on the southeast coast of Papua New Guinea

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Maori, Tahitian, Tuamotuan, Marquesan, Samoan, & Tongan

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near motu

Cite this Entry

“Motu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/motu. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!