Standard Lemma guide

rongorongo

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • UK: /ˌɹɒŋəʊˈɹɒŋəʊ/
  • rhymes with -ɒŋəʊ

1

noun

Meaning 1

An early glyphic writing system of Easter Island, written in reverse boustrophedon and as yet undeciphered.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: uncountable

Examples

  • Rongorongo glyph 700 , which resembles a fish, is written on many human skulls. It is thought that it may stand for ika, which means "fish" or "war casualty" in Rapa Nui.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Borrowed from Rapa Nui roŋoroŋo (“to recite, chant”), a reduplicated form of roŋo (“message”).

Across languages

Translations

3 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: rongorongo — writing system
  • Rapa Nui: kōhau roŋoroŋo — writing system
  • Rapa Nui: roŋoroŋo — writing system