kiwi

noun

ki·wi | \ ˈkē-(ˌ)wē

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

Did you know? Example Sentences Learn More About kiwi

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 How to tell which kiwi is a male and which is a female? — Jeff Lowenfels, Anchorage Daily News, 21 July 2022 Best Kiwifruit Deliciously sweet golden kiwi has a smooth, edible skin and juicy yellow flesh packed with nutrients. — Good Housekeeping, 28 June 2022 The Chris Baker Willamette Valley Pinot Blanc 2021 is a refreshing Pinot Blanc with notes of citrus, green apple, kiwi, and Asian pear. — oregonlive, 25 May 2022 One of the current kits calls on students to figure out through DNA what type of animal attacked a kiwi, a flightless, threatened bird native to New Zealand. — Washington Post, 27 Apr. 2022 Other plants hit by that same cold event include dove tree (Davidia) (leaves and flowers, hardy kiwi leaves, and wisteria flowers) – all otherwise hardy plants that suffered from the unfortunate timing. — oregonlive, 23 Apr. 2022 Giant kiwi mascots swaying to somber violin music stole the show at New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s official welcome to Japan. — Washington Post, 21 Apr. 2022 Green melon, with a savory herbal edge, joins sprightly lime and hints of kiwi and guava on the nose. — Sara L. Schneider, Robb Report, 28 Mar. 2022 And the set menu options include bibimbaps studded with fresh kiwi and brie cheese. — Andi Berlin, The Arizona Republic, 12 Mar. 2022 See More

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.