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

Strawberries, kiwi, and red bell peppers also deliver this essential nutrient. — Embry Roberts, Martha Stewart, 31 Oct. 2026

KeyWe In KeyWe, up to two players take on the role of kiwi birds that work in a post office. — Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026

Ernest’s grandma served grapes, watermelon, pineapple, slices of brown banana, doubloons of kiwi. — Madeline Ffitch, Harpers Magazine, 27 Oct. 2026

Kiwis That cute, squishy green fruit known as a kiwi may do the trick for better sleep. — Vanessa Caceres, Verywell Health, 26 Oct. 2026

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