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kukui

American

[koo-koo-ee] / kuˈku i /

noun

the candlenut tree, Aleurites moluccana, of the spurge family, having grayish leaves and clusters of small white flowers: the state tree of Hawaii.

Etymology

Origin of kukui

Borrowed into English from Hawaiian around 1815–25

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:

kukui

Kukui nut oil was used for torches — kukui is known as the “tree of light.”

From Seattle Times ● Oct. 18, 2023

A dukkah spice blend made from inamona, or kukui nuts, and sesame seeds tops it.

From The Guardian ● Mar. 2, 2017

At the very top is the Summit Room, where a large kukui tree stands.

From Washington Times ● Feb. 7, 2015

You'll also see some slightly odder licensing partnerships: Tervis tumblers and kukui nut necklaces with NFL branding.

From Slate ● Apr. 23, 2012

By oiling the water with chewed kukui nut, he calms it enough to see the fishes entering their net, and this art pleases the fishermen.

From The Hawaiian Romance Of Laieikawai by Beckwith, Martha Warren

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