Samoan
/səˈmoʊən/noun
Relating to Samoa, its people, or the Polynesian language spoken there.
Did you know?Samoan is an ethnonym and language name tied to Samoa itself, and the deeper origin of the island name is still uncertain — a reminder that some words keep their oldest secrets.
Etymological Timeline
Modern English
English
Samoan
“Relating to Samoa or its people.”
19th Century
English
Samoa
“The island group and nation in the South Pacific.”
Early Modern Period
European languages
Samoa
“A Western rendering of the local island name used by explorers and mapmakers.”
Traditional usage
Samoan
Sāmoa
“The native name of the islands and people.”