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noun

niu

Niu (noun) means a tall ceremonial pole hung with ropes, used in a Māori religious and resistance movement of the 19th century. Example: “Worshippers would circle the niu during the ceremony.”

noun
1
A tall ceremonial pole hung with ropes, used in a Māori religious and resistance movement of the 19th century.
"Worshippers would circle the niu during the ceremony."

How to use niu

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA ceremonial pole used in a specific historical New Zealand religious movement.

Word forms

nius plural, Nius plural

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Fill the gap

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Worshippers would circle the _____ during the ceremony.

Etymology

A term from the Pai Mārire religious movement in 19th-century New Zealand.

· First attested 1800

Class of 1800 niu joined the language around 1800.
See the full Class of 1800 →

Rhymes for niu

See all rhymes for niu →

Frequently asked questions

What does “niu” mean?

The word “niu” means a tall ceremonial pole hung with ropes, used in a Māori religious and resistance movement of the 19th century. In plain terms, a ceremonial pole used in a specific historical New Zealand religious movement.

How do you use “niu” in a sentence?

Here is “niu” used in a sentence: “Worshippers would circle the niu during the ceremony.”

What part of speech is “niu”?

“Niu” is a noun.

Where does the word “niu” come from?

The word “niu” dates back to around 1800. A term from the Pai Mārire religious movement in 19th-century New Zealand.

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