noun
Maori
MOW-ree
noun
1
A member of the indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand.
"Maori settled New Zealand centuries before European contact."
2
The Polynesian language spoken by the Maori people.
"Maori is one of New Zealand's official languages."
adjective
1
Relating to the Maori people, their culture, or their language.
"The museum has an excellent collection of Maori carvings."
How to Use Maori
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe indigenous people, language, and culture of New Zealand.
Common mistake
Always capitalize Maori/Māori when referring to the people or language.
Word Forms
Maori plural, Maoris plural, Maories plural
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_____ settled New Zealand centuries before European contact.
Etymology
From the Maori word māori itself, meaning "normal" or "native" — used to distinguish the indigenous people from later European settlers.