maori: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, academic, cultural, journalistic; neutral in New Zealand contexts.
Quick answer
What does “maori” mean?
The Polynesian people who are the indigenous inhabitants of New Zealand.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The Polynesian people who are the indigenous inhabitants of New Zealand.
Pertaining to the Māori people, their culture, language (Te Reo Māori), customs, or heritage. Also used to denote the Māori language itself.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Usage frequency is higher in NZ English and international news/educational contexts. In the US, it may be less familiar to the general public.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries connotations of indigenous culture, history, and colonialism. In British English, it may have stronger historical associations with the British Empire.
Frequency
Low frequency in general everyday conversation outside New Zealand and specific academic/political contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “maori” in a Sentence
the Māoriof Māori descentMāori + noun (as modifier)speak MāoriVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “maori” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The museum has a superb collection of Māori artefacts.
- She is studying Māori mythology.
American English
- The documentary explored Māori carving techniques.
- He has a strong interest in Māori history.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in NZ context for diversity policies, tourism, or branding (e.g., 'incorporating Māori design principles').
Academic
Frequent in anthropology, linguistics, history, post-colonial studies, and indigenous rights literature.
Everyday
Common in New Zealand for discussing culture, language learning, or identity. Rare in everyday conversation elsewhere.
Technical
In linguistics, refers to the Eastern Polynesian language Te Reo Māori. In law, refers to rights under the Treaty of Waitangi.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “maori”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “maori”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “maori”
- Incorrect pluralisation ('Maoris' is often considered incorrect; 'Māori' is used for both singular and plural).
- Omitting the macron where it is expected in careful writing.
- Mispronunciation as /meɪˈɔːri/ or /mɑːˈɔːri/.
- Using as a generic term for any Polynesian people.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is the standard and respectful term for the indigenous people and culture of New Zealand. Using the macron (Māori) shows additional care for accurate representation.
The word 'Māori' is used for both singular and plural reference (e.g., one Māori, the Māori). The form 'Maoris' is generally avoided.
'Māori' refers specifically to the indigenous Polynesian people. 'Kiwi' is a colloquial term for any New Zealander, or a bird, and is not specific to ethnicity.
Yes, it is always capitalised as it is a proper noun referring to a specific people and culture, similar to 'English' or 'French'.
The Polynesian people who are the indigenous inhabitants of New Zealand.
Maori is usually formal, academic, cultural, journalistic; neutral in new zealand contexts. in register.
Maori: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmaʊri/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmaʊri/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “On the Māori side of the family”
- “Whakapapa Māori (Māori genealogy)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'MAOrI' as the 'MAin Original Residents' of New Zealand.
Conceptual Metaphor
CULTURE IS A LIVING ENTITY (e.g., 'Māori culture is thriving'), HERITAGE IS A TREASURE (e.g., 'preserving Māori heritage').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'Māori' primarily used as an adjective?