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
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Classes in lei-making and hula dancing are provided at the hotel for all ages.
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Robin Raven, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
There were contests such as pie-eating and hula hooping and the baby classic and mutt show; bands played all weekend, there were games and carnival rides, tons to eat and more.
—Heather McRea, Orange County Register, 20 Oct. 2024
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
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Robin Raven, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
There were contests such as pie-eating and hula hooping and the baby classic and mutt show; bands played all weekend, there were games and carnival rides, tons to eat and more.
—Heather McRea, Orange County Register, 20 Oct. 2024
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
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 1 Dec. 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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