# Maori

/ˈmaʊɹi/ (US) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/maori
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

relating to the people who were the first to live in New Zealand, or to their language and culture.

For teachers: relating to the indigenous Polynesian people of mainland New Zealand or their language. Often used attributively to describe cultural practices, art, or social identity.

## Examples

- We learned some basic Maori words during our trip to New Zealand.
- The museum features a stunning collection of Maori carvings and traditional woven garments.
- The revitalization of the Maori language has been a cornerstone of New Zealand's educational policy, aiming to preserve indigenous heritage for future generations.

## Usage notes

- When used as an adjective, it typically precedes the noun it modifies. In modern usage, it is often written with a macron (Māori) to indicate a long vowel sound.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.