hula
noun
hu·la ˈhü-lə 
variants or less commonly hula-hula
ˌhü-lə-ˈhü-lə
: a sinuous Polynesian dance characterized by rhythmic movement of the hips and mimetic gestures with the hands and often accompanied by chants and rhythmic drumming
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A sinuous Polynesian dance, the hula combines undulating movement of the hips and mimetic hand gestures. The dance is often accompanied by chants, drumming, and music played on instruments such as the ukulele. Originally a religious dance performed to praise the chiefs, contemporary hulas tell a story or describe a place, and are danced exclusively by women. The costume typically includes a raffia skirt with a lei (garland) around the neck.
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Look for rollerblading and e-scooter lessons, double Dutch and hula hooping zones, face painting, music, and family activities, while local restaurants and businesses extend their outdoor footprints onto the pavement. 
Stephanie Williams, Washington Post, 25 Aug. 2022 The in-person festival will take place at the outdoors Stardust Cinema, featuring live music, Kahiko style hula and other activities. Wilson Chapman, Variety, 27 June 2022 While Musk, back turned, worked out the complicated math to build a rescue device, each of the children was silently ushered off stage through a hula hoop. Amanda Shendruk, Quartz, 16 Aug. 2022 There will be lots of styles of dance and exercise offered, but two of her specialties are belly dancing and hula hooping. Pam Mcloughlin, Hartford Courant, 20 Aug. 2022 Afrobeat, Bachata, ballroom basics, East Coast swing, hula, line-dancing, kizomba, merengue, polka hop, salsa and more. Laura Manske, Forbes, 5 June 2022 Meanwhile, the Fairmont Orchid has a range of complimentary activities such as hula, Hawaiian language lessons, mo'olelo (storytelling), and traditional Hawaiian games. Sunny Fitzgerald, Travel + Leisure, 15 Feb. 2022 Her matching mint-green calf-length dress flared out, thanks to a hula hoop hidden in the hem. Diane Bellcolumnist, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 July 2022 Try to toss a hula hoop over the trunk of the 19-inch tall inflatable elephant, because why not? Katie Bourque, Good Housekeeping, 6 July 2022 See More
Stephanie Williams, Washington Post, 25 Aug. 2022 The in-person festival will take place at the outdoors Stardust Cinema, featuring live music, Kahiko style hula and other activities. Wilson Chapman, Variety, 27 June 2022 While Musk, back turned, worked out the complicated math to build a rescue device, each of the children was silently ushered off stage through a hula hoop. Amanda Shendruk, Quartz, 16 Aug. 2022 There will be lots of styles of dance and exercise offered, but two of her specialties are belly dancing and hula hooping. Pam Mcloughlin, Hartford Courant, 20 Aug. 2022 Afrobeat, Bachata, ballroom basics, East Coast swing, hula, line-dancing, kizomba, merengue, polka hop, salsa and more. Laura Manske, Forbes, 5 June 2022 Meanwhile, the Fairmont Orchid has a range of complimentary activities such as hula, Hawaiian language lessons, mo'olelo (storytelling), and traditional Hawaiian games. Sunny Fitzgerald, Travel + Leisure, 15 Feb. 2022 Her matching mint-green calf-length dress flared out, thanks to a hula hoop hidden in the hem. Diane Bellcolumnist, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 July 2022 Try to toss a hula hoop over the trunk of the 19-inch tall inflatable elephant, because why not? Katie Bourque, Good Housekeeping, 6 July 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Hawaiian
First Known Use
1825, in the meaning defined above