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

capitalized : 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

In that case, fruit types that are high in fiber but lower in sorbitol would be better, like kiwi or raspberries. —Caroline Tien, SELF, 24 June 2025

Also, experiment with different fruits like kiwi or banana and mix in some custom granola. —Lauren Thomann, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 June 2025

In other parts of city, kiwi are successfully being reintroduced. —Laurie Winkless, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025

Kiwi One study found that adults with moderately elevated blood pressure improved after eating kiwi. —Lindsey Desoto, Verywell Health, 29 May 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