2 syllables: Lu, au. Stress on Lu.
LOO-ow
/ˈluˌaʊ/
Luau is pronounced LOO-ow (/ˈluˌaʊ/). It has two syllables (Lu-au), with the stress on "Lu". Luau is a Hawaiian noun for a traditional feast that often features music, dance, and roast pig. In everyday usage it refers to such a banquet or party, especially in Hawaii, sometimes extended to any festive gathering with Hawaiian foods. The word is adopted into English to describe these celebrations and is typically used as a countable noun.
nounLuau is a Hawaiian noun for a traditional feast that often features music, dance, and roast pig. In everyday usage it refers to such a banquet or party, especially in Hawaii, sometimes extended to any festive gathering with Hawaiian foods. The word is adopted into English to describe these celebrations and is typically used as a countable noun.
"We attended a luau on the beach and watched dancers perform traditional hula."
"The hotel organized a tropical luau complete with a roast pig and poi."
"Guests enjoyed the buffet during the luau, followed by fire dancing."
Pronounce as lu-ˈaʊ with stress on the second syllable. The first syllable is a light /lu/ with /l/ and a short, clear /u/; the second syllable is a stressed /aʊ/ diphthong. IPA: US/UK/AU: luˈaʊ (US: luˈaʊ, UK: luˈaʊ, AU: luˈaʊ). Think of ‘lu’ as ‘loo’ but with a shorter vowel, then glide into ‘ow’ as in ‘now’ without extra consonants afterward.
Common mistakes include saying ‘loo-OW’ with a long /oʊ/ instead of /aʊ/, or stressing the first syllable as in ‘LOO-ah’ rather than the second syllable. Some speakers also insert an extra consonant sound after the second syllable, turning it into ‘LOO-ah-oo’. Correct it by stressing the /aʊ/ part and keeping the first syllable quick and light. Use a clear /lu/ then a precise /aʊ/ glide.
Across accents, the /lu/ onset stays consistent, but the stress and vowel length can shift slightly. US and AU typically maintain the /luˈaʊ/ with a compact /aʊ/; UK speakers may lengthen the preceding /u/ slightly and keep the same /aʊ/ nucleus. Rhoticity doesn’t affect the word itself, but connected speech in American English may reduce the /l/ slightly before a vowel when fast. Overall, the core is lu- with a sharp /aʊ/ diphthong.
The challenge lies in the distinct diphthong /aʊ/ that requires a rapid jaw and tongue transition from /a/ to /ʊ/ within a syllable, plus keeping the first syllable light and unstressed. Some speakers syllabify as /lu-aʊ/ with a weak separation, but the preferred form is a tight /luˈaʊ/ with the second syllable carrying primary stress. Practicing the glide from a short /u/ to /aʊ/ helps.
A unique feature is the strong, compact /aʊ/ diphthong in the second syllable, which is the nucleus of the word’s accent. Unlike many English words starting with an L, the end of the word doesn’t add an extra consonant and ends crisply on /ʊ/ in careful speech or more fully on /aʊ/ depending on the speaker. Paying attention to the transition from /l/ to /u/ and then a precise /aʊ/ makes the pronunciation natural.
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The word luau comes from the Hawaiian language, where it denotes an elaborate feast or party. In colonial and early contact periods, Western writers adopted luau to describe Hawaiian social gatherings that include food, song, and dance. The term spread with tourism and Hawaiian cultural references, entering broader English usage to denote any Hawaiian-themed party or celebration. The modern luau often includes roasted pig (kalua pig), poi, tropical fruits, and performances such as hula and traditional chants. First attested in English in the 19th century, luau has become a generic term for a festive gathering with a distinctly Hawaiian character, while retaining its proper noun status in cultural contexts. In Hawaii, luau remains a central cultural practice, though contemporary events may blend modern entertainment with traditional elements.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Luau" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "Luau"
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