adj

Noa

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Noa (adj) means not under taboo; safe to say or use in place of a forbidden word or sacred name (used in anthropology, especially of Polynesian custom). Example: “The chief's name became noa again once the mourning period ended.”

adj

Not under taboo; safe to say or use in place of a forbidden word or sacred name (used in anthropology, especially of Polynesian custom).

"The chief's name became noa again once the mourning period ended."

Ordinary or non-sacred, and so kept apart from what is considered tapu (sacred/forbidden).

"Everyday tools were treated as noa, unlike the sacred objects kept in the temple."

How to use Noa

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe opposite of taboo — something ordinary and safe to use or speak, rather than sacred or forbidden.

Memory tip

You'll mostly meet this word in writing about Māori or Polynesian culture, alongside "tapu."

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: Noas

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The chief's name became _____ again once the mourning period ended.

Etymology

From Polynesian languages, where it forms a pair with "tapu" (the source of the English word "taboo") — noa marking what is free of restriction.

Rhymes for Noa

OA DOA LOA POA Goa boa toa hoa Foa whoa Samoa Genoa

See all rhymes for Noa →

Frequently asked questions

What does “Noa” mean?

The word “Noa” means not under taboo; safe to say or use in place of a forbidden word or sacred name (used in anthropology, especially of Polynesian custom). In plain terms, the opposite of taboo — something ordinary and safe to use or speak, rather than sacred or forbidden.

How do you use “Noa” in a sentence?

Here is “Noa” used in a sentence: “The chief's name became noa again once the mourning period ended.”

What part of speech is “Noa”?

“Noa” is an adjective.

How many meanings does “Noa” have?

“Noa” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: not under taboo; safe to say or use in place of a forbidden word or sacred name (used in anthropology, especially of Polynesian custom).