Poi
/pɔɪ/noun
A traditional Polynesian food made by pounding cooked taro root into a smooth paste, or a performance prop consisting of a weighted ball swung on a cord.
Did you know?Hawaiian poi was traditionally prepared by pounding cooked taro with a stone pestle, while Māori poi developed as a performance art involving rhythmic swinging and chanting.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Polynesian
Proto-Polynesian
*poi
“Reconstructed Polynesian form associated with pounding or a rounded object; the precise relationship between the food and dance senses is debated.”
Before European contact
Hawaiian
poi
“Pounded taro paste, a staple food prepared by crushing cooked taro.”
Before European contact
Māori
poi
“A ball or bundle attached to a cord, used in rhythmic performance.”
19th Century
English
poi
“An English borrowing referring chiefly to the Hawaiian taro dish.”
20th–21st Century
English
poi
“A performance prop swung on cords, especially in fire dancing, flow arts, and festival culture.”