Advertisement

Advertisement

kanaka

[ kuh-nak-uh, -nah-kuh, kan-uh-kuh ]

noun

, (sometimes initial capital letter)
  1. a Native Hawaiian.
  2. a South Sea islander.


Kanaka

/ kəˈnækə; ˈkænəkə /

noun

  1. (esp in Hawaii) a native Hawaiian
  2. often not capital any native of the South Pacific islands, esp (formerly) one abducted to work in Australia
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of kanaka1

From Hawaiian: “person”
Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of kanaka1

C19: from Hawaiian: man, human being
Discover More

Example Sentences

With a regular and plentiful supply of Indian coolies, the recruiting of kanaka labourers practically ceased.

The Kanaka in the prow gave the signal, and the boat backed into the monster wave just as it was about to break.

"The last boat that went out capsized," cried Bobby, gleefully taking her place behind the second Kanaka.

"New York," whispered a voice in the Kanaka's ear, and he repeated the word stammeringly.

At the polling desk Benito found himself behind a burly Kanaka sailor, dark as an African.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


Kanakkana-majiri