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kiwi

noun ki·wi \ ˈkē-(ˌ)wē \
|Updated on: 14 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

See kiwi defined for kids

Recent Examples of kiwi from the Web

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.

Illustration of kiwi

illustration of kiwi

Origin and Etymology of kiwi

Maori

KIWI Defined for English Language Learners

kiwi

noun

Definition of kiwi for English Language Learners

  • Kiwi : a person who lives in or is from New Zealand

  • : a bird from New Zealand that cannot fly and that has a long bill

KIWI Defined for Kids

kiwi

noun ki·wi \ ˈkē-wē \

Definition of kiwi for Students

1 : a grayish brown bird of New Zealand that is unable to fly
2 : kiwifruit

Learn More about kiwi

  1. 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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