Noa
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.”
How to use Noa
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe opposite of taboo — something ordinary and safe to use or speak, rather than sacred or forbidden.
You'll mostly meet this word in writing about Māori or Polynesian culture, alongside "tapu."
Trace the full origin ↓Word forms
Noas plural
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
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).