ostrich

noun

os·​trich ˈä-strich 

ˈȯ-,

 also  -strij

1

a

: a swift-footed 2-toed flightless ratite bird (Struthio camelus) of Africa that is the largest of existing birds and often weighs 300 pounds (140 kilograms)

b

: rhea

c

: leather made from ostrich skin

2

[from the belief that the ostrich when pursued hides its head in the sand and believes itself to be unseen] : one who attempts to avoid danger or difficulty by refusing to face it

ostrichlike

ˈä-strich-ˌlīk 

ˈȯ-

 also  -strij-

adjective

Examples of ostrich in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Following in the footsteps of a velvet cutout dress and a fuzzy coat embellished with ostrich feathers, these custom pieces were inspired by Venice and its artisanal flair, said de la Hogue Moran. —Sandra Salibian, WWD, 24 Jan. 2025

Here, a roundup of real-deal Hermès Birkin moments, from a brown ostrich leather style to Snehal and Jyoti Babani’s colorful carriers. —Irene Kim, Vogue, 8 Jan. 2025

During March Madness in 2023, Mulkey drew attention for a green-and-pink tweed floral blazer with bright pink ostrich feathers running the length of her arms with white pants and electric pink pumps. —Anna Lazarus Caplan, People.com, 7 Jan. 2025

One of the largest birds on Earth, second only to the ostrich, Dromaius novaehollandiae is native to Australia and well-adapted to surviving in the harsh outback environment. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French ostriz, ostrige, from Vulgar Latin *avis struthio, from Latin avis bird + Late Latin struthio ostrich — more at struthious

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing ostrich

• ostrich fern

Kids Definition

ostrich

noun

os·​trich ˈäs-trich 

ˈȯs-

1

: a very large bird of Africa that often weighs as much as 300 pounds (140 kilograms), runs very quickly but cannot fly, and has large wing and tail feathers used especially formerly in dusters and fans and to adorn hats and clothing

2

: one who tries to avoid danger by refusing to face it