cassowary

noun

cas·​so·​wary ˈka-sə-ˌwer-ē 

plural cassowaries

: any of a genus (Casuarius) of large ratite birds chiefly of New Guinea and northern Australia that have a horny casque on the head and are closely related to the emu

Examples of cassowary in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There are three species of these velociraptor-like birds–the southern cassowary, northern cassowary, and dwarf cassowary. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 5 June 2024

Ancient humans may have reared deadly birds 18,000 years ago Often called modern-day dinosaurs, cassowaries are one of only a few birds known to have killed humans. —Big Think, 24 June 2024

In 2019, a man in Florida was killed by his pet cassowary. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 5 June 2024

In the cassowary’s world, males are tasked with child-rearing responsibilities. —Katie Liu, Discover Magazine, 9 Jan. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Malay kĕsuari, from an Austronesian language of the Moluccas

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

cassowary

noun

cas·​so·​wary ˈkas-ə-ˌwer-ē 

plural cassowaries

: any of several tall swift-running birds of New Guinea and Australia that are closely related to the emu