Melanesian

American  

[mel-uh-nee-zhuhn, -shuhn] / ˌmɛl əˈni ʒən, -ʃən /

adjective

1. of or relating to Melanesia, its inhabitants, or their languages.

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noun

1. a member of any of the Indigenous peoples inhabiting Melanesia.

2. the Austronesian languages of Melanesia, taken collectively.

Melanesian British  

/ ˌmɛləˈniːzɪən /

adjective

1. of or relating to Melanesia, its people, or their languages

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noun

1. a native or inhabitant of Melanesia: generally Negroid with frizzy hair and small stature

2. a group or branch of languages spoken in Melanesia, belonging to the Malayo-Polynesian family

3. See also Neo-Melanesian

Etymology

Origin of Melanesian

First recorded in 1840–50; Melanesi(a) + -an

Example Sentences

Diplomatic relations have been complicated by the separatist ambitions of Melanesian groups on the Indonesian side of Papua, which was absorbed by Indonesia after a 1969 vote.

From Reuters • Jul. 5, 2023

The indigenous Papuans, who are Melanesian, are now thought to be outnumbered by settlers from other parts of the archipelago.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2023

In Melanesian culture, a wide-eyed gasping face is a symbol of aggression, not fear.

From Scientific American • Apr. 27, 2022

Wale and other lawmakers spoke at length, using a mixture of English, the official language, and the commonly spoken Melanesian pidgin.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 5, 2021

The Melanesian strain in the Maoris was recognised by previous writers.

From The Belief in Immortality and the Worship of the Dead Vol. II by Frazer, James George, Sir