ostrich

noun

os·​trich ˈä-strich 

ˈȯ-,

 also  -strij

1

a

: a swift-footed 2-toed flightless ratite bird (Struthio camelus) of Africa that is the largest of existing birds and often weighs 300 pounds (140 kilograms)

b

: rhea

c

: leather made from ostrich skin

2

[from the belief that the ostrich when pursued hides its head in the sand and believes itself to be unseen] : one who attempts to avoid danger or difficulty by refusing to face it

ostrichlike

ˈä-strich-ˌlīk 

ˈȯ-

 also  -strij-

adjective

Examples of ostrich in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

At that time, the fans were nothing short of elaborate (think ostrich feathers, golden handles, and precious stone overlays). —Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 30 June 2025

Princess Kate's appearance at the Order of the Garter ceremony, where members of the order wear regal blue velvet capes with an ostrich plume hat, marked a return to the annual event after missing it last year. —Stephanie Petit, People.com, 16 June 2025

Related Stories Sparks’ sandals provided a neutral accent to a lively peach dress from LaPointe featuring a high neckline and wide batwing-style sleeves adorned with ostrich feathers. —Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 9 June 2025

However, this particular group of ostriches did not innovate during these tests. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 20 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French ostriz, ostrige, from Vulgar Latin *avis struthio, from Latin avis bird + Late Latin struthio ostrich — more at struthious

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing ostrich

• ostrich fern

Kids Definition

ostrich

noun

os·​trich ˈäs-trich 

ˈȯs-

1

: a very large bird of Africa that often weighs as much as 300 pounds (140 kilograms), runs very quickly but cannot fly, and has large wing and tail feathers used especially formerly in dusters and fans and to adorn hats and clothing

2

: one who tries to avoid danger by refusing to face it