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

Elsewhere, Dennis Basso achieved a similar neck-strangling effect using lace, this time in black dotted with sequins and, of course, ostrich feathers. —Ari Stark, Footwear News, 17 Feb. 2026

Pickles, the only and beloved ostrich of Como Zoo, was euthanized on Thursday. —Molly Guthrey, Twin Cities, 17 Feb. 2026

Will's teammates include rhino dad Archie (David Harbour), weirdo Komodo dragon Modo (Nick Kroll) and speedy ostrich Olivia (Nicola Coughlan). —Brian Truitt, USA Today, 11 Feb. 2026

There is the ‘ostrich’ approach, burying your head in the sand when the media come calling. —Paul Newman, New York Times, 3 Feb. 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