emu

1 of 2

noun

: a swift-running Australian ratite bird (Dromaius novaehollandiae) with undeveloped wings that is smaller than the ostrich

Illustration of emu

Illustration of emu

emu

2 of 2

abbreviation

electromagnetic unit

Examples of emu in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
No one was more surprised to see an emu than McKeesport resident Airiel Dawson, who caught the flightless bird taking a stroll through her neighborhood. Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY, 6 Sep. 2024 The emu was picked up shortly after Dawson began to record the video, telling CBS News that police officers helped the owners get it back home. Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY, 6 Sep. 2024 Australia, for example, has huge kangaroo and emu sculptures outside its building, echoing its national coat of arms and Olympic logo. Ina Fried, Axios, 28 July 2024 Guinea pig farming, ostrich and emu farming, turtle farming, roadside zoos, petting zoos, all of these places where animals and humans are coming into close contact with each other. Taylor Wilson, USA TODAY, 22 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for emu 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

modification of Portuguese ema cassowary

First Known Use

Noun

1656, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of emu was in 1656

Dictionary Entries Near emu

Cite this Entry

“Emu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emu. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

emu

noun
ˈē-myü
: a swift-running Australian bird with undeveloped wings that is related to but smaller than the ostrich

More from Merriam-Webster on emu

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!