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

capitalized : 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

Some juices don’t fare well with high heat and gelatin, so avoid using fresh pineapple, kiwi, mango or papaya juice. —Cody Godwin, USA Today, 12 Oct. 2025

Kiwifruit, sometimes called kiwi, is a fruit with green flesh, fuzzy brown skin, and a unique tart yet sweet flavor. —Kathi Valeii Published, Verywell Health, 8 Oct. 2025

Flavor has been described as a combination of tart and sweet flavors with hints of guava, kiwi, passion fruit, and tomato. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 2 Oct. 2025

Mimosa flights come with high-grade champagne, four glasses and a choice of numerous flavorings and a choice of numerous juices, including peach, coconut, watermelon, pomegranate, and kiwi. —Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 19 Aug. 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