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

Kiwi : 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

Take for example, Arnel Pante, a Lana'i native and longtime server at One Forty, who without batting an eye honored my off-the-menu breakfast request for a small, side order of oatmeal with blueberries, kiwi, and almonds, to accompany an egg white frittata. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 May 2026

The kiwi isn't the most intimidating of national symbols compared with other mascots such as eagles or lions. —ABC News, 18 May 2026

However, there are a few foods that provide even more vitamin C than kiwi. —Sarah Bence, Verywell Health, 12 May 2026

Juicy slices of melon, pineapple, berries, and kiwi nestle in a fluffy, creamy cheesecake filling. —Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 7 May 2026

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