kiwi

noun ki·wi \ ˈkē-(ˌ)wē \

|Updated on: 28 Jul 2018

Definition of kiwi

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

See kiwi defined for English-language learners

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Recent Examples of kiwi from the Web

Combine kiwi, avocado, chile (if using), lime juice, parsley or cilantro and honey, if using, in a small bowl.

— jennifer rude klett, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Table for 1: For solo diners, cooking at home offers many perks," 12 July 2018
As for the influence of California on their work, Novogratz points to the fruit rugs shaped like slices of orange, kiwi, lemon, lime, avocado and watermelon ($39-$49).

— ingrid schmidt, The Hollywood Reporter, "The Novogratz Pop-Up Shop Brings Sunny High-Low Furnishings to Fred Segal," 18 June 2018
Drinks: The menu of $9 smoothies includes a classic blend of banana, mango and almond milk, and the Green Goodness, which features kiwi, spinach, cucumber and soy milk.

— samantha nelson, RedEye Chicago, "14 new brunches to brighten your Chicago summer," 31 May 2018
Then came dessert—a coupe glass full of Pepto-pink mango panna cotta garnished with passion-fruit foam, tiny cubes of kiwi and strawberry, and a stoner's fistful of Cocoa Puffs.

— marian bull, GQ, "Stoner Food Has Gotten Fully Baked," 7 June 2018
The thin wooden planks are woven together with the hardy Japanese native kiwi vine and generously spaced for gaping views of the rushing river 45 feet below.

— jamie moore, USA TODAY, "The world’s 10 most amazing suspension bridges," 26 Apr. 2018
Drinks shown in advertisements being consumed by impossibly fit athletes and named for fruits like mango, kiwi, and blackberry are aggressively marketed to teens.

— mari a. schaefer, chicagotribune.com, "Teens are drinking more sports drinks. Experts say that's not a good thing.," 11 May 2018
To reduce the chance of damage, grow kiwi plants in warmer areas of the garden that are protected from frost, avoiding low areas or cool sites.

— kym pokorny, OregonLive.com, "Growing kiwi in Oregon requires care, attention," 2 May 2018
This evening, experience visiting the treasured native bird, the kiwi, in the wild.

— tom ricketts, Town & Country, "How to Plan a Trip to New Zealand," 5 Oct. 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'kiwi.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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.