# Tiki

/ˈtiˈki/ (US) · /tˈɪki/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

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

## Definition

a large stone or wood carving of a human-like figure from Polynesian cultures. It often represents a god or an ancestor and is used in art and decoration.

For teachers: a large wooden or stone carving of a humanoid figure, originating in Māori and other Polynesian cultures. It typically represents an ancestor or a mythological figure and serves as a boundary marker or ritual object.

## Examples

- The garden was decorated with a large wooden tiki.
- During the mid-20th century, many American restaurants adopted a tiki theme, using tropical decor and carved figures to create an exotic atmosphere.
- While modern commercial use often reduces the tiki to a kitsch aesthetic, in its original cultural context, the carving functions as a potent symbol of ancestral protection and spiritual presence.

## Usage notes

- Often used as a modifier in compound nouns like 'tiki bar' or 'tiki torch'.

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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.