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noun

Polynesia

po-luh-NEE-zee-uh

Polynesia (noun) means a vast region of the central and southern Pacific made up of thousands of islands, including Hawaii, New Zealand, Samoa, Tahiti, and Easter Island. Example: “Their honeymoon took them island-hopping across Polynesia.”

noun
1
A vast region of the central and southern Pacific made up of thousands of islands, including Hawaii, New Zealand, Samoa, Tahiti, and Easter Island.
"Their honeymoon took them island-hopping across Polynesia."
"Polynesia is home to related languages and cultures spread across a huge stretch of ocean."

How to use Polynesia

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe huge triangle of Pacific islands stretching from Hawaii to New Zealand to Easter Island.

Easily confused with
micronesia melanesia
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Fill the gap

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Their honeymoon took them island-hopping across _____.

Etymology

Coined in French in 1756 from Greek roots meaning "many" and "island," originally to describe the Pacific islands broadly before its meaning narrowed.

Origin: French · First attested 1756

Class of 1756 Polynesia joined the language around 1756.
See the full Class of 1756 →

Rhymes for Polynesia

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Frequently asked questions

What does “Polynesia” mean?

The word “Polynesia” means a vast region of the central and southern Pacific made up of thousands of islands, including Hawaii, New Zealand, Samoa, Tahiti, and Easter Island. In plain terms, the huge triangle of Pacific islands stretching from Hawaii to New Zealand to Easter Island.

How do you pronounce “Polynesia”?

“Polynesia” is pronounced po-luh-NEE-zee-uh (/ˌpɑləˈniʒə/ in IPA).

How do you use “Polynesia” in a sentence?

Here is “Polynesia” used in a sentence: “Their honeymoon took them island-hopping across Polynesia.”

What part of speech is “Polynesia”?

“Polynesia” is a noun.

Where does the word “Polynesia” come from?

The word “Polynesia” dates back to around 1756 and comes from French. Coined in French in 1756 from Greek roots meaning "many" and "island," originally to describe the Pacific islands broadly before its meaning narrowed.

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