kiwi

noun ki·wi \ ˈkē-(ˌ)wē \

|Updated on: 16 Jun 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

See kiwi defined for kids

Recent Examples of kiwi from the Web

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
For unbreakability: Broccoli, red peppers, brussels sprouts, kiwi, and oranges are rich in vitamin C, which can protect hair from breakage.

— johnny miller, Allure, "The Great-Hair Diet: What to Eat for Stronger, Healthier Hair," 30 May 2018
Their fossils reveal that the ground-dwelling birds had long, sturdy legs, like those of a kiwi or an emu, nothing like the delicate legs of perching birds.

— ashley strickland, CNN, "These were the unlikely survivors after dinosaurs went extinct," 24 May 2018
However, there’s no exact word on what the flavors/scents will be — though the USPS does mention options like strawberry, chocolate, kiwi and root beer.

— sarah fritsche, San Francisco Chronicle, "USPS to release first-ever scratch-and-sniff stamps, and they’re dessert-themed," 21 May 2018
Add the Midori, remaining melon and grapes, kiwi, and ice cubes to the pitcher and stir to blend.

— adam ried, BostonGlobe.com, "Recipes: Four ways to make summer sangria, with or without wine," 19 May 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

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.