mia-mia

[ mahy-uh-mahy-uh ]

/ ˈmaɪ əˌmaɪ ə /

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noun

a temporary, hutlike shelter built by Aboriginal tribes in Australia.

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Origin of mia-mia

First recorded in 1835–45; from Ganay or Kurnai (Australian Aboriginal languages spoken in Gippsland, Victoria), recorded as mai-mai “camp, hut”

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use mia-mia in a sentence

Black Republican members-elect include Mia Love of Utah and Will Hurd of Texas.
The Republican Rainbow Coalition Is Real|Tim Mak|November 18, 2014|DAILY BEAST
After Mia overdoses on heroin, Vincent brings her to the home of Lance and Jody.
The Secrets of ‘Pulp Fiction’: 20 Things You Didn’t Know About the Movie on Its 20th Anniversary|Marlow Stern|October 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST
This two-person play is a showcase for seasoned actors, starting with Brian Dennehy and Mia Farrow.
Fall Broadway Preview: 'This Is Our Youth,' Bradley Cooper as ‘The Elephant Man,' and More|Janice Kaplan|September 11, 2014|DAILY BEAST
And also, that young woman [Soon-Yi] was very vulnerable, and I think it was very hard for the siblings, and certainly for Mia.
Susan Sarandon on Her Love Affair With David Bowie, Woody Allen’s Creepiness, and Psychedelics|Marlow Stern|July 24, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Mia and Jason Bauer founded the first Crumbs in New York in 2003, and did quite well.
The Cupcake Boom’s Sugar High Finally Crashes|Daniel Gross|July 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
As Motor Matt walked toward the man with the leveled revolver, the wood-hauler cried out a startled "Madre mia!"
Motor Matt's "Century" Run|Stanley R. Matthews
Ay, what, you are a reader of countenances, madra mia; what see you there?
The International Monthly Magazine, Volume 5, No. 1, January, 1852|Various
She seemed to hear him say, with his droll English accent: "Volete essere sposina mia?"
The Devourers|Annie Vivanti Chartres
This hast thou granted her, Madonna mia Beatissima, for a wedding gift!
The Royal Pawn of Venice|Mrs. Lawrence Turnbull
I sent them all away, Zia mia: sometimes it seems less hard to bear when I am quite alone.
The Royal Pawn of Venice|Mrs. Lawrence Turnbull

British Dictionary definitions for mia-mia

mia mia

/ (ˈmiːə ˈmiːə) /

noun

a native Australian's hut

Word Origin for mia mia

from a native Australian language

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