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.
Those from the Indigenous Maori community were especially vulnerable to abuse, the report found, as well as those with mental or physical disabilities. Reuters, NBC News, 12 Nov. 2024 The trip continues with tea ceremonies, wine tastings, Maori cultural immersions, and a slew of stays at 4- and 5-star hotels up and down both North and South Islands. Brad Japhe, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2024 It’s said to be an integral symbol of New Zealand Maori art that symbolizes new life and new beginnings. Howard Walker, Robb Report, 9 Sep. 2024 The Maori King or Queen is considered the paramount chief of several tribes, or iwi, but is not affiliated with all of them. Reuters, CNN, 5 Sep. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near Maori

Cite this Entry

“Maori.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Maori. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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