lei

¹ American  

[ley, ley-ee] / leɪ, ˈleɪ i /

noun

plural

leis

1. (in the Hawaiian Islands) a wreath of flowers, leaves, etc., for the neck or head.

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lei ² American  

[ley] / leɪ /

noun

1. plural of leu.

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lei ¹ British  

/ leɪ /

noun

1. (in Hawaii) a garland of flowers, worn around the neck

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lei ² British  

/ leɪ /

noun

1. the plural of leu

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Etymology

Origin of lei

Borrowed into English from Hawaiian around 1835–45

Explanation

In Hawaii, a sweet-smelling garland of flowers is called a lei. Traditional hula dancers often wear elaborate leis made of ferns, leaves, and blossoms. Leis are such an important part of Hawaiian culture that May 1 is known as "Lei Day" and is celebrated across all the islands. It's also customary to give leis to special guests, brides and grooms, funeral mourners, retirees, and people celebrating birthdays. The custom extends to other parts of Polynesia, including Samoa and Tahiti. The Hawaiian root of lei means "ornament worn about the neck or head."

Example Sentences

“Every brand has some kind of large SUV,” said Lei Xing, an independent analyst who co-hosts a popular podcast on Chinese cars.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

But newcomers appear unfazed, Lei wrote, naming at least eight EV brands from Chinese automakers that have cropped up over the last two years.

From Barron's • Apr. 24, 2026

Lei Du is the lead author of a study that outlines this new type of quantum system.

From Science Daily • Apr. 13, 2026

Liu Lei, also 70, served as political commissar of the army from December 2015 to January 2022, which includes the period during which Han was in command.

From BBC • Mar. 3, 2026

“I don’t know. Sometimes I think she’s just too pushy, like when she dismissed her students’ Lei Feng Study Group.

From "Red Scarf Girl: A Memoir of the Cultural Revolution" by Ji-li Jiang

Related Words

• garland
• pot
• vase
• wreath