noun
malu
Malu (noun) means a traditional Samoan tattoo covering a woman's thighs and knees, marking cultural status. Example: “She received her malu in a ceremony that lasted several days.”
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.
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Word forms
- Plural
- malus
- Comparative
- more malu
- Superlative
- most malu
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She received her _____ in a ceremony that lasted several days.
Etymology
Borrowed directly from Samoan.
Frequently asked questions
What does “malu” mean?
The word “malu” means a traditional Samoan tattoo covering a woman's thighs and knees, marking cultural status. In plain terms, one meaning is a specific, culturally significant tattoo; the other, unrelated meaning is simply feeling bashful.
How do you use “malu” in a sentence?
Here is “malu” used in a sentence: “She received her malu in a ceremony that lasted several days.”
What part of speech is “malu”?
Depending on how it is used, “malu” can be a noun and an adjective.
How many meanings does “malu” have?
“Malu” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a traditional Samoan tattoo covering a woman's thighs and knees, marking cultural status.
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