kiwi

noun

ki·​wi ˈkē-(ˌ)wē 

1

: any of a small genus (Apteryx) of flightless New Zealand birds with rudimentary wings, stout legs, a long bill, and grayish brown hairlike plumage

2

Kiwi : a native or resident of New Zealand

—used as a nickname

3

: kiwifruit

Illustration of kiwi

• kiwi 1

Did you know?

A kiwi is any of three species of chicken-sized, grayish brown flightless birds found in New Zealand. Their Maori name refers to the male's shrill call. Kiwis have vestigial wings hidden within the plumage; nostrils at the tip (rather than the base) of the long flexible bill; soft, hairlike feathers; and stout, muscular legs. Each of the four toes has a large claw. Kiwis live in forests, where they sleep by day and forage for worms, insects and their larvae, and berries at night. They run swiftly and use their claws in defense when cornered.

Examples of kiwi in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Rice farming also led Yuba County’s agricultural industries at $52 million, narrowly eclipsing walnuts ($51 million) and kiwi ($48 million). —Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 30 Oct. 2025

Premium drinks, such as high-value wine or craft cocktails (including a standard espresso martini and a more playful kiwi spritz), are available for purchase, either with cash, card, or Delta SkyMiles. —AFAR Media, 29 Oct. 2025

However, there is nothing about kiwi specifically that will lower blood sugar. —Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 28 Oct. 2025

The classic green kiwi also contains an enzyme, actinidin, that helps the body digest protein, which could also assist in softening high-protein foods in the gut. —New Atlas, 26 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Maori

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

kiwi

noun

ki·​wi ˈkē-(ˌ)wē 

1

: a flightless New Zealand bird with weak and undeveloped wings, stout legs, a long bill, and grayish brown hairlike feathers

2

: kiwifruit