ENGLISH
REFERENCE

lei

n. countable
C1 Advanced US //ˈɫeɪ// UK //lˈeɪ// lei

n. a circle of flowers or leaves that people wear around their neck. It is a famous symbol of welcome and friendship in Hawaii.

n. a wreath or garland of flowers, leaves, or other materials, typically worn around the neck. Associated primarily with Polynesian cultures, particularly in Hawaii, as a symbol of affection or greeting.


SIMPLE

The hotel staff gave each guest a beautiful flower lei.

CONTEXTUAL

Upon arriving in Honolulu, the visitors were greeted with a traditional lei made of fragrant jasmine flowers.

COMPLEX

While the most recognizable version is the floral garland, a lei can also be crafted from shells, feathers, or bone to signify different levels of social status or specific ceremonial intentions.

Synonyms
Etymology 1

Borrowed from Hawaiian lei.

Etymology 2

Borrowed from Romanian lei.

Usage

The plural form is typically 'lei' or 'leis'.

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