mia-mia

American  

[mahy-uh-mahy-uh] / ˈmaɪ əˌmaɪ ə /

noun

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

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mia mia British  

/ ˈmiːə ˈmiːə /

noun

1. a native Australian's hut

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Etymology

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”

Example Sentences

This was Oliver Whyte, the owner of the house and garden, which he had christened, in true Australian fashion, "The Mia-Mia."

From Project Gutenberg

Amy, on entering the house, went straight to her room and locked herself in; an occurrence so unique in the history of the Mia-Mia, that old Whyte stared open-mouthed at Reg, who had flung himself on the sofa, and asked: "What's the matter, Reg?"

From Project Gutenberg

On again next morning to another of the native camps; but, finding it empty, the wanderers took possession of the best mia-mia, and Wills and King were sent out to collect nardoo.

From Project Gutenberg

Wills had at last suddenly collapsed, and could only lie in the mia-mia, and philosophically contemplate the situation.

From Project Gutenberg

King had already buried the rest of the field-books near the mia-mia.

From Project Gutenberg