Tiare
/tiːˈɑː.reɪ/noun
A fragrant white gardenia flower native to Polynesia, especially Gardenia taitensis.
Did you know?The tiare is Tahiti’s national flower and is traditionally worn or given as a lei to communicate welcome, affection, or departure.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Polynesian
Proto-Polynesian
*tiale
“Flower; fragrant flowering plant”
Early Eastern Polynesian
Eastern Polynesian
*tiare
“Flower, especially a valued or fragrant blossom”
Pre-European Tahiti
Tahitian
tiare
“Flower; specifically the aromatic gardenia later known as tiare Tahiti”
18th–19th Century
Tahitian
tiare
“The white, highly scented flower used in adornment and custom”
19th Century
English
tiare
“A Polynesian gardenia or its flower”
Modern English
English
tiare
“Gardenia taitensis, commonly associated with Tahiti and Polynesian fragrance”