puka
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of puka
First recorded in 1970–75; of uncertain origin
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.
Each episode brought a new drama that, without fail, led to Ryan punching the puka shell necklace off a dude’s neck.
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 7, 2023
Howard Smith, who served in Hawaii before he retired from the Army, came bearing traditional puka shell necklaces to give to Mr. Bishop and his wife.
From Washington Times • Feb. 23, 2023
The gold crown was decorated with puka shells and beads, every inch of the garment stoned and sparkling.
From Slate • May 21, 2021
The puka shell necklace would have made a strong statement with the green jacket.
From Golf Digest • Mar. 22, 2020
A snatch of song, an oli, denominated mele kahea, or mele wehe puka, was chanted, which, on being recognized by those within, was answered in the same language of hyperbole, and the door was opened.
From Unwritten Literature of Hawaii The Sacred Songs of the Hula by Emerson, Nathaniel Bright
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
