Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Showing results for kahuna. Search instead for kahunas.

kahuna

American  
[kuh-hoo-nuh] / kəˈhu nə /

noun

  1. (in Hawaii) a Native medicine man or priest.


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.

See Examples For:

"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

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

Robin Hood, the big kahuna of charity dinners, raised $77.5 million to fight poverty in New York City; the Oct.

From New York Times ● Oct. 22, 2021

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

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

Get a word

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Just like flashcards, but way more fun

Don't take our word for it. Leave the boring studying behind and join VocabTrainer today. You'll learn even faster and never look back.

Take me to Vocabulary.com