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
From the M-W Editors
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.
Illustration of kiwi
Origin and Etymology of kiwi
Maori
First Known Use: 1835
KIWI Defined for English Language Learners
kiwi
playDefinition of kiwi for English Language Learners
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Kiwi : a person who lives in or is from New Zealand
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: a bird from New Zealand that cannot fly and that has a long bill
KIWI Defined for Kids
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See words that rhyme with kiwi Spanish Central: Translation of kiwi Nglish: Translation of kiwi for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of kiwi for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about kiwi
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