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

While the outer part of the sneaker is primarily white, the back heel tab features a playful pop of kiwi green. —Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 21 Nov. 2025

For a bright, uplifting boost When your mood starts dipping, vitamin C–rich foods like oranges, strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, and grapefruit can give you a natural lift. —Essence, 19 Nov. 2025

With 312 mg of potassium in a green kiwi, the kiwi is up there with bananas. —Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 13 Nov. 2025

Mix diced kiwi or apple into a fruit salsa and serve with tortilla chips. —Sarah Garone, Health, 13 Nov. 2025

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