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Definition of haka

haka

/ˈhɑː.kə/
ha · ka
Plural:hakas
•
Past Simple:hakaed
•
Past Participle:hakaed
•
Present Participle:hakaing
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haka Lexical Profile

haka Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A traditional Māori ceremonial posture dance of New Zealand, accompanied by vigorous rhythmic movements, foot-stamping, facial expressions, and vocal chanting, performed to welcome guests, celebrate achievements, or issue a challenge before a sporting match.

Example

"Before the international rugby match began, the New Zealand players performed a powerful haka at the center of the field."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for haka

• verb

1

New Zealand To perform a traditional Māori posture dance with rhythmic movements and chanting.

Example

"The students gathered in the courtyard to haka in honor of the retiring principal."

• Rhymes for haka

• Nearby Words

haiti
haitian
hajj
haka
hake
hakea
hala

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 18th century from Māori haka, meaning 'dance' or 'to dance', descending from Proto-Polynesian *saka.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Haka. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/haka
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