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Definition of koa

koa

/ˈkoʊ.ə/
ko · a

Plural:koas
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koa Lexical Profile

koa Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The durable, highly figured reddish-brown hardwood yielded by the koa tree, widely prized by luthiers and woodworkers for crafting ukuleles, acoustic guitars, and fine furniture.

Example

"The luthier selected a beautifully figured set of solid koa for the back and sides of the custom acoustic guitar."


2

American A large, fast-growing, canopy-forming evergreen tree (Acacia koa) native entirely to the Hawaiian Islands, characterized by its crescent-shaped phyllodes and ecological importance in native forests.

Example

"Conservationists are working diligently to restore the native koa forests on the slopes of Mauna Kea."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for koa

• Rhymes for koa

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Hawaiian 'koa', which also carries the meaning of 'warrior', 'brave', or 'fearless'. Historically, the durable wood of this tree was used by Native Hawaiians to construct outrigger canoes, surfboards, and weapons.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


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