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

Notably absent from the list of birds being vaccinated, though, is the kiwi –– the iconic national bird. — Todd Symons, CNN Money, 22 July 2026

Kiwi and coconut milk give it body, while mint keeps the finish from becoming heavy. — Noel Burgess, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

Find out how to peel a kiwi and the many options to slice, dice, and serve it. — Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 July 2026

This design features strawberries, oranges, grapes, watermelon, and kiwi. — Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 5 July 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