kahuna
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of kahuna
Borrowed into English from Hawaiian around 1885–90
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.
"Given the interest of the majority of states in pursuing this issue, we think it's only appropriate that the big kahuna, the federal government, take action as well."
From Salon • Aug. 19, 2024
Both sit in the shadow of the streaming service’s big kahuna, this hit about F1 drivers entering its fifth season.
From New York Times • Feb. 18, 2023
Still, there were others: The heart-tugging “CODA” had a great night, winning best supporting actor, best adapted screenplay and the big kahuna, best picture, ending the ceremony on an ebullient note.
From Seattle Times • Mar. 28, 2022
The Rebate Project, though, is the big kahuna.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 23, 2021
“Can you imagine if you were a kahuna here?”
From "Clairboyance" by Kristiana Kahakauwila
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
