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

Savings apply to both the Vibe variety pack, which features peach, tropical, and retro flavors, as well as the Core variety pack, featuring cherry cola, orange, and kiwi guava flavors. —Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 2 Jan. 2026

Chop up your kiwi to use as a garnish on your next bowl of oatmeal. —Sohaib Imtiaz, Verywell Health, 26 Dec. 2025

Still, experts say eating kiwi—or any vitamin C–rich food—may potentially support skin health. —Julia Ries Wexler, Health, 18 Dec. 2025

There is real proof, however, for specific foods and drinks like kiwi, rye bread, and mineral water, as well as psyllium, magnesium oxide, and probiotics. —Erica Sweeney, EverydayHealth.com, 14 Oct. 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