haole

American

[hou-lee, -ley] / ˈhaʊ li, -leɪ /

noun

Sometimes Disparaging.

(among Polynesian Hawaiians) a term used to refer to a non-Polynesian, especially a white person.
(among Hawaiians) a term formerly used to refer to any foreigner.

Sensitive Note

Haole is usually considered to be a neutral descriptive term. However, it is sometimes used with disparaging intent, arising from a distrust of foreigners or outsiders.

Etymology

Origin of haole

1835–45; < Hawaiian: white person, (earlier) foreigner, foreign

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.

At one point Aki is heard saying, “You’s a haole, eh,” using a Hawaiian word that can mean white person.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 17, 2022

Aki didn’t use the word haole in a pejorative or hateful way, Jerome said.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 8, 2022

Jasmine gasped as she caught sight of three people on foot, stranded between billowing walls of flame devouring the haole koa and the towering stands of dry elephant grass.

From Slate • Nov. 27, 2021

“I’m a haole, a white guy who moved to Hawaii, so I can’t be claiming anything,” he said.

From New York Times • May 17, 2021

Eoppo, priest though he was, was likewise afraid, and his reason weakened before the sight of Kahekili in his haole coffin that would not sink.

From On the Makaloa Mat by London, Jack

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023