noun

nene

NAY-nay

Nene (noun) means the Hawaiian goose, a rare native bird that is the official state bird of Hawaii. Example: “Conservationists have worked for decades to bring the nene back from near-extinction.”

noun

The Hawaiian goose, a rare native bird that is the official state bird of Hawaii.

"Conservationists have worked for decades to bring the nene back from near-extinction."

How to use nene

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA goose species found only in Hawaii, smaller and less webbed-footed than most geese since it spends more time on lava fields than in water.

Word forms

nenes plural, nene plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Conservationists have worked for decades to bring the _____ back from near-extinction.

Etymology

From Hawaiian nēnē, a word imitating the bird's honking call.

Rhymes for nene

gene bene lene Rene scene Irene Keene Beene Ilene serene Selene Eugene

See all rhymes for nene →

Frequently asked questions

What does “nene” mean?

The word “nene” means the Hawaiian goose, a rare native bird that is the official state bird of Hawaii. In plain terms, a goose species found only in Hawaii, smaller and less webbed-footed than most geese since it spends more time on lava fields than in water.

How do you pronounce “nene”?

“Nene” is pronounced NAY-nay (/ˈneɪˌneɪ/ in IPA).

How do you use “nene” in a sentence?

Here is “nene” used in a sentence: “Conservationists have worked for decades to bring the nene back from near-extinction.”

What part of speech is “nene”?

“Nene” is a noun.