puka

American  

[poo-kuh] / ˈpu kə /

noun

1. a small white shell found on Pacific, especially Hawaiian, beaches and strung in clusters to make necklaces.

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puka British  

/ ˈpuːkɑː /

noun

1. another name for broadleaf

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Etymology

Origin of puka

First recorded in 1970–75; of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

“The players will fill the ‘puka’ of the heart, he said, using a Hawaiian word for “hole.”

From Seattle Times

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

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

The puka shell necklace would have made a strong statement with the green jacket.

From Golf Digest

I remember saving up my money to buy clothes from Abercrombie & Fitch and begging my mom for a puka shell necklace.

From Los Angeles Times