Polynesian

noun

Poly·​ne·​sian ˌpä-lə-ˈnē-zhən How to pronounce Polynesian (audio) -shən How to pronounce Polynesian (audio)
1
: a member of any of the Indigenous peoples of Polynesia
2
: a group of Austronesian languages spoken in Polynesia
Polynesian adjective

Examples of Polynesian 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 Honey Mustard leans classic and creamy with a balanced kick, while the Polynesian delivers a bold, sweet-and-sour punch that’s perfect for nuggets and fries. — Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 14 Apr. 2026 Room amenities are sustainable and locally made, with Polynesian Monoi presented in recycled, refillable flasks. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 May 2026 Tiki culture with its Polynesian, Melanesian, and Micronesian influences led to scores of escapist cocktail bars from the 1930’s to the 1970’s. — Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026 One Continental Airlines 747, called the Proud Bird of the Pacific, had a spacious Polynesian Pub in the coach cabin, with floral-print seats around low-slung pedestal tables. — Ian Bogost, The Atlantic, 12 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for Polynesian

Word History

First Known Use

1807, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of Polynesian was in 1807

Rhymes for Polynesian

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Browse Nearby Words

Polynesia
Polynesian
Polynesian chestnut
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

Polynesian

noun
Poly·​ne·​sian ˌpäl-ə-ˈnē-zhən How to pronounce Polynesian (audio) -shən How to pronounce Polynesian (audio)
1
: a member of any of the Indigenous peoples of Polynesia
2
: a group of languages spoken in Polynesia
Polynesian adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on Polynesian

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about Polynesian

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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