lei

1 of 2

noun (1)

ˈlā How to pronounce lei (audio) ˈlā-ˌē How to pronounce lei (audio)
Synonyms of leinext
: a wreath or necklace usually of flowers or leaves

lei

2 of 2

noun (2)

ˈlā How to pronounce lei (audio)

plural of leu

: the basic monetary unit of Moldova and Romania see Money Table

Synonyms of lei

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Noun (1)

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Examples of lei in a Sentence

Noun (1) we were presented with flowery leis as soon as we stepped off the plane in Hawaii
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
His reference to the actual lei that attendees leave with does require some setup, so now’s as good a time as any to attempt a plot summary. — Chris Willman, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026 There’s Kui Lei-making, where visitors hear the history of the lei while learning to sew one; traditional bamboo stamp printing; or coconut frond weaving, which Native Hawaiians have practiced for millennia. — Stephanie Vermillion, Vogue, 17 Sep. 2026 Lei Making In Hawaii, United States At Hale Akua in Hawaii, guests can take part in a lei-making class that introduces the cultural meaning behind the flowers, leaves and seeds. — Emese MacZko, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026 The museum also hosts weekly Hawaiian cultural classes, such as lei making and hula dancing. — Sharael Kolberg, Travel + Leisure, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for lei

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Hawaiian

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1843, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lei was in 1843

Rhymes for lei

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Browse Nearby Words

lehua
lei
Leibniz
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Cite this Entry

“Lei.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lei. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

lei

noun
ˈlā, 
ˈla-ˌē
: a wreath or necklace usually of flowers
Etymology

Noun

Hawaiian

More from Merriam-Webster on lei

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lei

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