luau
UK[ˈluː.aʊ]US[ˈluː.aʊ]
n
a hawaiian feast or party, often featuring traditional food and entertainment.
Etymology
the word 'luau' entered english in the 19th century as a direct borrowing from the hawaiian language. in hawaiian, it originally referred specifically to the young taro leaves, which are a key ingredient in a traditional dish. over time, the meaning expanded to denote the entire celebratory feast at which such food is served. the term reflects the cultural practice of communal feasting in hawaii and was adopted into english to describe these distinctive social gatherings.
Analysis
this word is a loanword from hawaiian. it does not contain separable morphemes based on english spelling conventions.
Examples
we were invited to a luau on the beach to celebrate the end of the conference.
the hotel puts on an authentic luau every friday night, complete with a pig roasted in an imu and hula dancing.
attending a traditional luau is a highlight for many tourists visiting hawaii.