kanaka

[ kuh-nak-uh, -nah-kuh, kan-uh-kuh ]

noun(sometimes initial capital letter)
  1. a Native Hawaiian.

  2. a South Sea islander.

Origin of kanaka

1
From Hawaiian: “person”

Words Nearby kanaka

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use kanaka in a sentence

  • With a regular and plentiful supply of Indian coolies, the recruiting of kanaka labourers practically ceased.

  • The kanaka in the prow gave the signal, and the boat backed into the monster wave just as it was about to break.

    The Honorable Percival | Alice Hegan Rice
  • "The last boat that went out capsized," cried Bobby, gleefully taking her place behind the second kanaka.

    The Honorable Percival | Alice Hegan Rice
  • "New York," whispered a voice in the kanaka's ear, and he repeated the word stammeringly.

    Port O' Gold | Louis John Stellman
  • At the polling desk Benito found himself behind a burly kanaka sailor, dark as an African.

    Port O' Gold | Louis John Stellman

British Dictionary definitions for Kanaka

Kanaka

/ (kəˈnækə, ˈkænəkə) /


noun
  1. (esp in Hawaii) a native Hawaiian

  2. (often not capital) Australian any native of the South Pacific islands, esp (formerly) one abducted to work in Australia

Origin of Kanaka

1
C19: from Hawaiian: man, human being

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012