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ahu

American  
[ah-hoo] / ˈɑ hu /

noun

  1. a stone heap or platform used by the Polynesians as a marker or memorial.


Etymology

Origin of ahu

From Hawaiian

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

During this time, construction of ceremonial "ahu" platforms slowed, Rano Kao became a key ritual center, and a new social system known as "Tangata Manu" emerged.

From Science Daily • Feb. 10, 2026

When Chile leased the island, the foreigners who took over stripped all Rapanui tribes of their property, though several ahu and moai can still be seen on land they used to control.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 16, 2022

When Chile leased the island, the foreigners who took over stripped all Rapanui tribes of their property, though several ahu and moai can still be seen on land they used to control.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 16, 2022

Beno informed me that it was a moai, about 20 feet long, most likely toppled accidentally when its carvers were moving it from the quarry to its stone platform, known as an ahu.

From New York Times • Nov. 9, 2016

Said," said Ho-Pin very deliberately, turning to face the new arrival, "ahu hina—Lucas Effendi—Mr. Lucas.

From The Yellow Claw by Rohmer, Sax

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