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Pacific Islander

American  
[puh-sif-ik ahy-luhn-der] / pəˈsɪf ɪk ˈaɪ lən dər /

noun

  1. a member or descendant of the Indigenous people of the Pacific Islands.

  2. (loosely) a native or inhabitant of the Pacific islands.


Etymology

Origin of Pacific Islander

First recorded in 1795–1800

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.

Prosecutors said the company had a 20% partner who’s a Pacific Islander, and the men pretended he’d attained majority ownership and managerial control.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 16, 2025

And the league's attempt to turn this into a lucrative spectator sport contradicts the values of many in the Pacific Islander community, Penaia says.

From BBC • Jun. 27, 2025

It is a supercharged version of a one-on-one tackle game which originated in the backyards and school playgrounds of Australia and New Zealand - namely in Pacific Islander communities.

From BBC • Jun. 27, 2025

Compton High’s 1,600-person student body is 84% Latino, 15% Black and 1% Pacific Islander.

From Los Angeles Times • May 23, 2025

She looked like a miniature Pacific Islander with dragonfly wings across her back as well as tiny wings on her ankles.

From "Fablehaven" by Brandon Mull