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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.

See Examples For:

"At the same time, we need to ensure that women across all Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities have access to culturally appropriate education, screening, and timely follow-up care."

From Science Daily Aug. 19, 2026

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

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 Jul. 28, 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

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

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