Hula

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈhuːlə/

Definitions

1. A traditional Hawaiian dance performed with rhythmic hip and body movements, often accompanied by music and performed by people wearing grass skirts or lei
2. A distinctive dance originating in Hawaii characterized by flowing movements of the hips and arms, usually accompanied by chants or songs, and often adorned with traditional clothing
3. This vibrant performance art from Hawaii features coordinated body movements and hand gestures that tell a story, commonly accompanied by music and cultural attire

Etymology: The Hawaiian word "hula" is a native term, and English simply took it over whole. Hula is the traditional dance of Hawaii, performed with hand and hip movements that tell stories through chant and song, and the English noun comes straight from the Hawaiian language without passing through any other tongue. Because the word is a borrowing rather than a construction from older English or classical roots, its history lies mainly in the culture it names. Hula dancing was an important part of traditional Hawaiian life, and the word traveled into English as Western contact with the islands grew, carrying the Hawaiian sense of a dance tied to chant and storytelling.

Synonyms: dance, performance, celebration