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

Brown kiwis are the most common kiwi population and are found on the northern island of New Zealand, according to the release. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 4 June 2025

However, the following people should avoid them: People with a kiwi allergy People with pollen allergies People with kidney stones or a history of them Fresh vs. Juiced Kiwifruit Juiced kiwi is an excellent way to incorporate kiwi into your diet. —Kathi Valeii, Verywell Health, 22 May 2025

The nose is summer-ready with notes of strawberry, watermelon, kiwi and honeysuckle. —Seth Eli Barlow, Arkansas Online, 27 May 2025

Most people can easily consume kiwi daily, but people with kiwi allergies, pollen allergies, and kidney stones should avoid them. —Kathi Valeii, Verywell Health, 22 May 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