Definition of ostrich
1a : 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 : rheac : 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
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Recent Examples of ostrich from the Web
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Visitors can take a wagon ride or drive their car through the farmland, which houses 500-plus animals, including porcupines, pigs, ostriches and zebras.
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Inspired by 1950s vintage hot rods, the Roddler cruises like no other stroller on the strip, boasting a custom pearl paint job (pinstriped or flamin' fenders extra) and sweet seat-cover options like faux alligator, ostrich, snakeskin, or sting ray.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ostrich'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of ostrich
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
OSTRICH Defined for English Language Learners
ostrich
playDefinition of ostrich for English Language Learners
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: a very large African bird that runs very fast but cannot fly
OSTRICH Defined for Kids
ostrich
playDefinition of ostrich for Students
: a very large bird of Africa that often weighs as much as 300 pounds (140 kilograms) and runs very fast but cannot fly
Learn More about ostrich
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Spanish Central: Translation of ostrich Nglish: Translation of ostrich for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of ostrich for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ostrich
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