noun

kahuna

kuh-HOO-nuh

Kahuna (noun) means a priest, healer, or expert in traditional Hawaiian culture. Example: “The kahuna led the blessing ceremony before the canoe launch.”

noun

A priest, healer, or expert in traditional Hawaiian culture.

"The kahuna led the blessing ceremony before the canoe launch."

An important or highly skilled person, especially (informally) a top surfer — as in "big kahuna."

"Everyone on the beach knew he was the big kahuna when it came to riding those waves."

How to use kahuna

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishOriginally a Hawaiian priest or expert; in casual English, "big kahuna" means the most important person in a group.

Common pairings

the big kahuna

Word forms

kahunas plural, kahuna plural

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The _____ led the blessing ceremony before the canoe launch.

Etymology

Borrowed from Hawaiian kahuna ("priest, expert, wizard").

Rhymes for kahuna

Una tuna luna guna Nuna Yuna sauna fauna tsuna Gauna Arjuna Shauna

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Frequently asked questions

What does “kahuna” mean?

The word “kahuna” means a priest, healer, or expert in traditional Hawaiian culture. In plain terms, originally a Hawaiian priest or expert; in casual English, "big kahuna" means the most important person in a group.

How do you pronounce “kahuna”?

“Kahuna” is pronounced kuh-HOO-nuh (/kəˈhuːnə/ in IPA).

How do you use “kahuna” in a sentence?

Here is “kahuna” used in a sentence: “The kahuna led the blessing ceremony before the canoe launch.”

What part of speech is “kahuna”?

“Kahuna” is a noun.

How many meanings does “kahuna” have?

“Kahuna” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a priest, healer, or expert in traditional Hawaiian culture.

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