: any of various usually very large extinct flightless birds of New Zealand of a ratite order (Dinornithiformes) including two (Dinornis robustus and D. novaezelandiae of the family Dinornithidae) nearly 12 feet (3.7 meters) in height

Examples of moa 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.
Species like the moa of New Zealand and the dodo of Mauritius disappeared within decades of first human contact. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 11 May 2025 The varied moa species of ancient New Zealand, the enormous elephant birds of Madagascar and even the recently extinct dodo of Mauritius are all examples of what can happen when birds settle in on islands. Riley Black, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 May 2025 The moa was a large, flightless bird native to New Zealand, with species reaching up to 12 feet in height. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025 Now, however, with the moa extinct, the fungi are likely not being dispersed as widely or as often. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for moa

Word History

Etymology

Maori

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of moa was in 1839

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Cite this Entry

“Moa.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/moa. Accessed 19 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

moa

noun
: any of various usually very large extinct birds of New Zealand that were not able to fly

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