Mahalo Definition & Meaning

American

Etymology

Examples

mahalo American [mah-hah-loh] / mɑˈhɑ loʊ /

interjection

1. (used to express regards, respect, and gratitude, and as a greeting or farewell).

   Mahalo for caring and listening to me.

noun

1. thanks; thank you.

   This special, family-oriented event is a mahalo to the community for its support.

Etymology

Origin of mahalo

First recorded in 1890–95; from Hawaiian: literally (as interjection) “Thank you,” (as noun) “gratitude, respect, praise”

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

At Mahalo Flowers in Culver City and Century Flowers in Inglewood, the multiuse plant is ceremoniously styled in floral arrangements bought by customers.

From Los Angeles Times

As each large order comes through the system, my team and I let out a big mahalo.

From Seattle Times

“Mahalo” conveys gratitude, admiration and respect.

From Seattle Times

“Do not convince yourself that your presence is needed on an island that is suffering this deeply. Mahalo to everyone who has donated and shown aloha to the community in this time of need.”

From Los Angeles Times

“Mahalo for your continued support, it means the world to us and our teams!”

From Seattle Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.