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

Wash it down with a new Strawberry Peach Refresher or the returning kiwi-mango Midori-green Croctail or a non-alcoholic Mock Croc version. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 2 Mar. 2026

Those of us who regularly eat fruits and vegetables aren’t likely to be deficient in vitamin C—natural sources of vitamin C include citrus, kiwi, strawberries, bell peppers, broccoli, and more; but liposomal vitamin C supplementation can help in certain instances. —Brianna Peters, Vogue, 23 Feb. 2026

According to Malone, other great gut-friendly fruit options to add to your diet include kiwi for regularity, pomegranate for a boost of polyphenols, and apples and pears for additional fiber. —Eleesha Lockett, Verywell Health, 17 Feb. 2026

Kiwi athletes earn roughly $3,018 for gold, $1,811 for silver and $1,207 for bronze. —Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 17 Feb. 2026

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