lei
5 synonyms for lei, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A garland made of flowers, leaves, or shells, traditionally worn around the neck in Hawaii as a sign of welcome or celebration.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use lei
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
flower lei
given a lei
lei ceremony
Etymology
Borrowed directly from Hawaiian lei.
Full origin of lei →Frequently asked questions
What does “lei” mean?
The word “lei” means a garland made of flowers, leaves, or shells, traditionally worn around the neck in Hawaii as a sign of welcome or celebration. In plain terms, a flower garland, especially the kind draped over your shoulders as a Hawaiian greeting.
How do you pronounce “lei”?
“Lei” is pronounced lay (/leɪ/ in IPA).
How do you use “lei” in a sentence?
Here is “lei” used in a sentence: “She was greeted at the airport with a lei of fresh orchids.”
What part of speech is “lei”?
“Lei” is a noun.
Is “lei” a common word?
“Lei” is an uncommon word in modern English.
