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

Spiritually significant for many New Zealanders, the kiwi’s image appears everywhere, including on the tail of the country’s air force planes — curious for a bird with no tail which can’t fly. —ABC News, 30 Apr. 2026

Some options, like berries, apples, peaches, and kiwi, have low to moderate sugar content. —Merve Ceylan, Health, 29 Apr. 2026

The forever plants in question — hardy kiwi, rhubarb, asparagus — are part of the actor’s effort to court more bees to his property. —Mikey O'Connell, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2026

Kiwi or pineapple Both of these tropical fruits contain enzymes that aid in protein digestion—bromelain in the case of pineapple, and actinidin in the case of kiwi. —Caroline Tien, SELF, 9 Apr. 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