tiki

[ tee-kee ]

noun

1. (initial capital letter) (in Polynesian mythology) the first man on earth.
2. (in Polynesian cultures) a carved image, as of a god or ancestor, sometimes worn as a pendant around the neck.

tiki

/ ˈtiːkɪ /

noun

1. an amulet or figurine in the form of a carved representation of an ancestor, worn in some Māori cultures

verb

1. intr to take a scenic tour around an area

Word History and Origins

Origin of tiki¹

1875–80; < Maori and Marquesan

Word History and Origins

Origin of tiki¹

from Māori

Example Sentences

First launched in 2017 by Brian Nixon of McClellan’s Retreat, the event this year features 10 participating bars, including Archipelago, Service Bar, Tiki on 18th and the Green Zone.

From Washington Post

Archipelago offers a “Sippin’ Santa Home Edition” for takeout or delivery with premade rum cocktails and Santa-shaped tiki glasses.

From Washington Post

Elderly women played Triple Double Diamond and Tiki Magic while they chain-smoked.

From The Daily Beast

One of the oldest adult theaters in Los Angeles, the Tiki is open 24 hours a day.

From The Daily Beast

Man was made by Tiki, who took red clay, and kneaded it with his own blood, or with the red water of swamps.

From Project Gutenberg

I have never looked upon Brutus as anything of an original genius; but Tiki Whenua most certainly was.

From Project Gutenberg

Tiki Tiu closed his eyes and let blue smoke filter through his nostrils.

From Project Gutenberg

He mentioned his disappointment at these evidences of civilization to Tiki Tiu, the astute native who kept the general store.

From Project Gutenberg

He prudently decided to stay in his cave until the sails of Tiki Tiu's schooner hove in sight.

From Project Gutenberg