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Maori

Maori

7.5
The language of the native Polynesian people of New Zealand
  • noun
  • /ˈmɑːəri/
translation icon : maorí
  • The Maori language is an official language of New Zealand.

Examples

  • Several official documents in New Zealand are translated into Maori.

  • The Maori language has seen a revival in recent decades.

  • She is learning to speak Maori at school as part of her studies.

  • Maori is a beautiful language.

  • Several official documents in New Zealand are translated into Maori.

  • She is learning to speak Maori at school as part of her studies.

  • The Maori language has seen a revival in recent decades.

Synonyms

Maori language
vsMaori
8.1

A language spoken by the Maori people of New Zealand

is a more specific Polynesian classification within that broader language group

Compounds

maori hen
  • New Zealand
9.9

A large flightless bird from New Zealand with short wings and a small sharp spur that often steals shiny things

A language spoken by the Maori people of New Zealand

Surface Forms

Maori singular
Maoris plural

Etymology

Maori for the language comes from the people's name; in their language the word reo means 'voice' or 'language', so 'te reo Māori' is 'the Māori language'. That is why Maori today also refers to the language spoken by the Māori people.