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Definition of lei

lei

/leɪ/
lei
Plural:leis
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lei Lexical Profile

lei Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A Polynesian, especially Hawaiian, garland or wreath made of flowers, leaves, shells, or feathers, traditionally worn around the neck or given upon arrival or departure as a symbol of affection and hospitality.

Example

"Upon arriving in Honolulu, each guest was welcomed with a fragrant plumeria lei draped gently around their shoulders."

2

The plural form of leu, the basic monetary unit of Romania and Moldova.

Example

"She exchanged her euros for a few hundred Romanian lei before taking the train to Bucharest."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for lei

• Rhymes for lei

• Nearby Words

legwear
legwork
lehenga
lei
leichhardt
leichhardt falls
leichhardt river

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the 19th century from Hawaiian lei ('garland, wreath, or necklace'), tracing back to Proto-Polynesian. In the currency sense, it is the plural of Romanian and Moldovan leu ('lion'), ultimately from Latin leo.

Cite this Entry

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