ENGLISH
REFERENCE

hula

n. C / U
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈhuɫə// UK //hˈuːlɐ// hu·la

n. a traditional Hawaiian dance that uses smooth hand and body movements to tell a story. It is often performed with music or chanting.

n. a traditional Polynesian dance form originating in Hawaii, characterised by rhythmic hip movements and hand gestures that represent specific narrative elements. Often accompanied by a melo (chant) or music.


SIMPLE

The dancers performed a beautiful hula at the beach party.

CONTEXTUAL

During the festival, local performers shared the history of the islands through a series of traditional hula dances.

COMPLEX

Modern hula has evolved into two distinct styles: the ancient form accompanied by traditional percussion and the contemporary version featuring melodic instruments like the ukulele or guitar.

Synonyms
Origin

Borrowed from Hawaiian hula.

Usage

Can be used as an uncountable noun for the dance form or as a countable noun for a specific performance.

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