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Definition of pa

pa

/pɑː/
pa
Plural:pas
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pa Lexical Profile

pa Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

An informal or affectionate term for one's father or grandfather.

Example

"Every Saturday morning, he helped his pa repair the old wooden fence in the backyard."

2

New Zealand A traditional Māori village or defensive settlement, historically built on a terraced hill and enclosed by protective palisades and trenches.

Example

"The archaeological team surveyed the earthworks of a pre-colonial pa overlooking the coastal bay."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for pa

• Nearby Words

ozarks mountains
ozone
ozothamnus
pa
pa sak
pac
paca

Word Origin & Etymology

As an informal term for a father, 'pa' arose in the early 19th century as a shortened form of 'papa'. In New Zealand English, 'pa' (often written 'pā') is borrowed directly from Māori, meaning a fortified settlement.

Cite this Entry

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