adjective
noun
-
a native or inhabitant of Melanesia: generally Negroid with frizzy hair and small stature
-
a group or branch of languages spoken in Melanesia, belonging to the Malayo-Polynesian family
-
See also Neo-Melanesian
Etymology
Origin of Melanesian
First recorded in 1840–50; Melanesi(a) + -an
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.
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
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.