noun

poi

poy

Poi (noun) means a traditional Hawaiian dish made by pounding cooked taro root into a smooth, often fermented, paste. Example: “Poi is a staple at traditional Hawaiian luaus.”

noun

A traditional Hawaiian dish made by pounding cooked taro root into a smooth, often fermented, paste.

"Poi is a staple at traditional Hawaiian luaus."

A ball attached to a cord, swung rhythmically in a traditional Maori dance, or the dance itself.

"The performers demonstrated poi, spinning the balls in intricate patterns."

How to use poi

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither a pounded taro paste from Hawaii, or a Maori dance performed with swinging balls on cords.

Word forms

poi plural, pois plural

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_____ is a staple at traditional Hawaiian luaus.

Etymology

Borrowed directly from Hawaiian poi.

Rhymes for poi

oi JOI ROI moi koi Boi Aoi Toi Troi Choi Hanoi Yayoi

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Frequently asked questions

What does “poi” mean?

The word “poi” means a traditional Hawaiian dish made by pounding cooked taro root into a smooth, often fermented, paste. In plain terms, either a pounded taro paste from Hawaii, or a Maori dance performed with swinging balls on cords.

How do you pronounce “poi”?

“Poi” is pronounced poy (/pɔɪ/ in IPA).

How do you use “poi” in a sentence?

Here is “poi” used in a sentence: “Poi is a staple at traditional Hawaiian luaus.”

What part of speech is “poi”?

“Poi” is a noun.

How many meanings does “poi” have?

“Poi” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a traditional Hawaiian dish made by pounding cooked taro root into a smooth, often fermented, paste.