ENGLISH
REFERENCE

toa

n. countable
C2 Proficiency US //ˈtoʊɑ// toa

n. a person who is very brave, strong, or skilled. It is a word from the Māori language that describes someone who is a hero or a leader.

n. a person of great strength, courage, or skill. Borrowed from Māori, it functions as a proper noun in English contexts to describe a heroic figure or a leader.


SIMPLE

The young athlete was called a toa for his bravery.

CONTEXTUAL

In many Māori stories, the toa is the central character who protects the community from danger.

COMPLEX

The documentary explores the legacy of the toa who led the resistance against colonial expansion, highlighting their strategic brilliance and unwavering commitment to their people.

Etymology 1

Borrowed from Dieri toa (“sign, mark, stick, messenger”), thoa, thuwa.

Etymology 2

Borrowed from Māori toa.

Etymology 3

Borrowed from Māori toa. Doublet of koa.

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