Pacific Islander

[puh-sif-ik ahy-luhn-der]

noun

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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of Pacific Islander¹

First recorded in 1795–1800

Example Sentences

Vivian Lee, who organizes board game get-togethers at the bookstore through her role as community engagement coordinator for the Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance, said that “welcoming spaces” can be hard to find in her native city.

From Los Angeles Times

Monday’s UC data showed increases in admits of all racial groups: Black, Latino, Native American, Asian American, Pacific Islander, white and “unknown.”

From Los Angeles Times

For CAPE, the world’s longest-running nonprofit creating opportunities for Asian and Pacific Islander artists, actors and storytellers in Hollywood, Belly Laughs is a natural extension of its mission over the last 35 years.

From Los Angeles Times

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

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