# Samoa

/səˈmoʊə/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/samoa
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. the country

noun · CEFR B2

an independent country in the South Pacific made of several islands.

For teachers: an independent sovereign state in Polynesia, consisting of the western part of the Samoan Islands.

- Many people travel to Samoa to enjoy the beautiful beaches and traditional culture.
- The Independent State of Samoa maintains a unique cultural identity while participating actively in Pacific regional diplomacy.

### 2. the cookie

noun · CEFR C1 · American English · Informal

a popular American cookie made with caramel, coconut, and chocolate.

For teachers: a specific variety of cookie featuring caramel, toasted coconut, and chocolate stripes, traditionally sold by the Girl Scouts of the USA.

- I bought three boxes of Samoas from the Girl Scouts outside the grocery store.
- The seasonal availability of Samoas often leads to a surge in demand among American consumers who wait all year for the fundraiser.

Teaching tip: This sense is specific to the United States; in other English-speaking countries, people will only recognize the word as the name of the country.

## Examples

- Samoa is a beautiful island nation in the Pacific.
- Many travelers visit Samoa to experience its rich Polynesian traditions and explore the volcanic landscapes.
- The cultural heritage of Samoa is deeply rooted in the Fa'a Samoa way of life, which emphasizes communal values and respect for elders across the archipelago.

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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.