hula
UK[ˈhuːlə]US[ˈhuːlə]
n
a hawaiian dance characterized by rhythmic movement of the hips and gestures with the hands, often telling a story.
v
to perform the hula dance.
Etymology
the word 'hula' is a direct borrowing from the hawaiian language, where it refers to the traditional dance form. there is no further segmentation into classical roots; the term is indigenous to the polynesian linguistic family. it entered the english lexicon in the late 18th and early 19th centuries through contact with hawaiian culture. the word's journey into english exemplifies the direct adoption of cultural terms, preserving both its form and its core association with the specific dance practice.
Analysis
this word is a loanword from hawaiian. it is considered a simplex form in english, meaning it is not productively formed from smaller, recognizable english morphemes. its functional role is as a single lexical unit.
Examples
the luau featured a mesmerizing performance of the hula.
she learned to hula during her vacation in hawaii.
the rhythmic beats of the pahu drum are essential to the hula.