Maori

noun

Mao·​ri ˈmau̇(-ə)r-ē How to pronounce Maori (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The dining menu, dubbed ‘A Taste of Aotearoa,’ refers to the Maori name for the far-flung nation. — Brad Japhe, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025 For the Maori, for example, in New Zealand, humans are lowest on the totem pole of the natural world, says Meghan Robinson, a Ph.D. student at the University of British Columbia who is completing her doctoral research on the Rights of Nature. — India Nye Wenner, Rolling Stone, 22 Apr. 2025 The haka is a ceremonial Maori chanting dance of defiance that is a cherished cultural symbol of New Zealand. — Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 14 Sep. 2025 The Rotorua area is home to a living village and an arts and crafts institute that continues the artistic practices of the Maori, with offerings like traditional wood carving and weaving. — Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 23 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for Maori

Word History

Etymology

Maori māori, literally, normal, ordinary

First Known Use

1828, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of Maori was in 1828

Rhymes for Maori

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Browse Nearby Words

maomao
Maori
Maorian
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Cite this Entry

“Maori.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Maori. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

Maori

noun
Mao·​ri ˈmau̇(ə)r-ē How to pronounce Maori (audio)
plural Maori or Maoris
1
: a member of an Indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand
2
: the language of the Maori

More from Merriam-Webster on Maori

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Maori

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