noun
malu
noun
1
A traditional Samoan tattoo covering a woman's thighs and knees, marking cultural status.
"She received her malu in a ceremony that lasted several days."
adjective
1
Shy or embarrassed.
"He felt malu standing up to speak in front of the whole village."
How to Use Malu
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishOne meaning is a specific, culturally significant tattoo; the other, unrelated meaning is simply feeling bashful.
Word Forms
more malu comparative, malus plural, most malu superlative
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “malu”
A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage
→
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
She received her _____ in a ceremony that lasted several days.
Etymology
Borrowed directly from Samoan.