lei

Where does the word "lei" come from? It comes from Hawaiian lei, and was adopted directly into English (1800s).

Lei’s story begins in Hawaiian: lei meant “a flower garland.” A garland of flowers, leaves, or shells worn around the neck. It reached English by 1800s as lei. Given as a welcome to visitors; May 1 is Lei Day in Hawaii. Today, lei means a garland of flowers, leaves, or shells, traditionally worn in Hawaii.

1. Stage 1 · Hawaiian · ancient lei "a flower garland", a garland of flowers, leaves, or shells worn around the neck.
2. Stage 2 · English · 1800s lei "a garland of flowers worn around the neck", given as a welcome to visitors; May 1 is Lei Day in Hawaii.