The word 'ukelele' is a direct borrowing from the Hawaiian language, where it is spelled 'ʻukulele'. The Hawaiian term itself is a compound, traditionally interpreted as meaning "jumping flea" ('uku' meaning "flea" and 'lele' meaning "to jump"), a nickname possibly inspired by the rapid finger movements of a skilled player. The instrument was developed in the 1880s in Hawaii, based on small guitar-like instruments brought by Portuguese immigrants. The name, and the instrument itself, were popularized internationally following performances at expositions, leading to its adoption into English vocabulary.

This word is a loanword from Hawaiian. It does not contain separable morphemes within the context of English word formation.