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

Incorporating foods like broccoli, kiwi, oranges, strawberries, and tomatoes, which are all high in vitamin C, into your meals is a good place to start. —Kelly Kamenetzky, Parents, 9 July 2024

There are the more natural options such as psyllium or kiwis that are also great places to start. —Anjuman Ali, Washington Post, 27 June 2024

Some of great options include, wild blueberries, apples, oranges, grapefruit, strawberries, pineapple, papaya, plums and kiwi. —Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 3 June 2024

Instead of throwing out a kiwi peel or watermelon rind, try eating them to fuel your body with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. —Nick Blackmer, Verywell Health, 12 June 2024

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