Pacific Islander

noun

plural Pacific Islanders
: a native or a descendant of a native of one of the islands of Melanesia, Micronesia, or Polynesia in the Pacific Ocean

Examples of Pacific Islander in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
A couple years before that, the state began disaggregating data on Asian and Pacific Islanders, by separating Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander groups. — Sharon Udasin, Sun Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026 Through the scholarship, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) artists working in film and television will receive resources to further their professional development, such as access to a network of peers and mentors. — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026 San Bruno’s 1-million-cubic-foot facility alone holds more than 750,000 immigration case files, many of which document Asian American and Pacific Islander history on the West Coast. — Stephanie Lam, Mercury News, 24 Aug. 2026 The new audit explored county contracts with the Orange County Asian and Pacific Islander Community Alliance, which subcontracted with Warner Wellness. — Tony Saavedra, Oc Register, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for Pacific Islander

Word History

First Known Use

1785, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Pacific Islander was in 1785

Browse Nearby Words

pacific iron
Pacific Islander
Pacific Islands, Trust Territory of the
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Cite this Entry

“Pacific Islander.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Pacific%20Islander. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

Pacific Islander

noun
: a native or a descendant of a native of Melanesia, Micronesia, or Polynesia in the Pacific Ocean
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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