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

Combining the natural antioxidants in kiwi flesh with the extra fiber in the skin can help get things moving and keep them moving. —Sarah Scott, Verywell Health, 31 Mar. 2025

Although kiwi vines generally need a colder winter than Southern California’s in order to flower and fruit, the Fuzzy Jenny variety needs only 100 hours of winter chill (temperatures below 45 degrees) and thus is suitable for growing anywhere in our area. —Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 14 Mar. 2025

Crispy crackly bright tropical aromas—lime and kiwi fruit—as well as gunflint. —Tom Mullen, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025

Available in strawberry, mango citrus, and orange hibiscus and their newest flavor addition, kiwi pineapple. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025

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