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

Your medieval psychiatrist might prescribe ostrich liver, or maybe just a walk in the garden. — Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026

King shares that Williams had previously eaten ostrich but had struggled with its low supply. — Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2026

Lehman estimated there are only about 10 to 15 farms operating today that have large ostrich herds, and those producers have a better understanding of the animals’ behavior and free range needs. — Dylan Lovan, Fortune, 6 Sep. 2026

On a Mojave Desert ranch, Newberry Springs official Mike Matson’s ostriches have been mauled by dogs and shot. — Alex Wigglesworth, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026

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