Samoan

[ suh-moh-uhn ]

/ səˈmoʊ ən /

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adjective

pertaining to Samoa or its Polynesian people.

noun

a native or inhabitant of Samoa.

the Polynesian language of Samoa.

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SHALL WE PLAY A "SHALL" VS. "SHOULD" CHALLENGE?

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Question 1 of 6

Which form is used to state an obligation or duty someone has?

shall

should

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Origin of Samoan

First recorded in 1840–50; Samo(a) + -an

Words nearby Samoan

Sammy, Samnite, Samnium, Samo, Samoa, Samoan, Samos, samosa, Samoset, Samothrace, samovar

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use Samoan in a sentence

The Fa’afaine community, deemed a third category of sex, allow individuals to explore their femininity without being persecuted by Samoan law.
Opinion | Living in a post-gender society|Isaac Amend|August 20, 2021|Washington Blade
I have always admired and loved figs, but in this case, one emergent Samoan fig literally saved the trees of an entire island.
The Incredible Fig - Issue 104: Harmony|Meg Lowman|July 28, 2021|Nautilus
I think that if you look at, as one example, the Samoan community.
North County Report: Oceanside’s New Police Chief Promises More Transparency|Kayla Jimenez|March 31, 2021|Voice of San Diego
He took a Samoan lawyer with him, Oscar Zeta Acosta, and he took him because he thought he would be responsible.
The Gonzo Artist: Behind Ralph Steadman’s Most Famous Work|Alex Suskind|April 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST

She's the first American Samoan in Congress, born in Leloaloa, American Samoa.
10 Religious Surprises in the US Congress|Joshua DuBois|March 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST
At the ripe age of 31, supporters say, the Samoan-born, home-schooled Gabbard is ready for the challenge.
10 Women to Watch in Politics|Patricia Murphy|June 10, 2012|DAILY BEAST
“An eight-grade girl told 12-year-old Willow that her Samoan brothers were going to gang-rape her,” said Bristol.
Bristol Palin’s Memoir: The Juiciest Bits|Marlow Stern|June 21, 2011|DAILY BEAST
It is a remark that has often been made by visitors: you never see a Samoan run, except at Vailima.
The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition Vol. 25 (of 25)|Robert Louis Stevenson
You might, if you ever answer this, give me your opinion on the origin of the Samoan race, just to complete the favour.
The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition Vol. 25 (of 25)|Robert Louis Stevenson
I had never seen the Samoan mask of reserve 433 laid aside before, and it touched me more than anything else.
The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition Vol. 25 (of 25)|Robert Louis Stevenson
It was even daring—I assure you one of the chiefs looked like a fiend at my description of Samoan warfare.
The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition Vol. 25 (of 25)|Robert Louis Stevenson
The Samoan home meant much pleasure to its owner, but it entailed keen anxiety also.
Robert Louis Stevenson|Margaret Moyes Black

British Dictionary definitions for Samoan

Samoan

/ (səˈməʊən) /

adjective

of or relating to Samoa, its people, or their language

noun

a member of the people that inhabit Samoa

the language of Samoa, belonging to the Polynesian family of languages

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012