Definition

Noun: 1. A garland or wreath, especially one made of flowers, leaves, or shells, that is worn around the neck as a symbol of affection, celebration, or welcome, particularly in Hawaiian culture. 2. (Finance) The standard monetary unit of Romania (plural: lei), divided into 100 bani.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Garland):
  • Upon arriving in Hawaii, the tourists were greeted with a beautiful lei made of fresh orchids.
  • It is a tradition to give a lei to graduates during the commencement ceremony.
• Noun (Currency):
  • The price for the souvenir was fifty lei.
  • He exchanged his euros for Romanian lei at the airport.

Advanced Usage

• "To receive a lei": To be welcomed or honored, often in a ceremonial context.
  • The visiting dignitary was honored to receive a lei at the official greeting.
• "To give/present a lei": To offer a gesture of welcome, love, or congratulations.
  • She presented a lei to her friend as a symbol of their lasting friendship.

Variants and Related Words

• Leis (n): The standard plural form for both meanings (garlands and currency units).
• Lei making (n): The art or activity of creating leis.
  • We attended a workshop on traditional Hawaiian lei making.

Synonyms

• Garland: A wreath of flowers, leaves, or other materials.
• Wreath: A circular arrangement of flowers, leaves, or other materials.
• Chaplet: A wreath or garland for the head.

Notes on Different Meanings

The two meanings of lei are homographs (spelled the same) but are entirely different words with different origins. 1. The garland meaning comes from the Hawaiian language. 2. The currency meaning comes from the Romanian language, where "lei" is the plural of "leu," meaning "lion."

Noun

1. flower arrangement consisting of a circular band of foliage or flowers for ornamental purposes