kiwi

noun

ki·wi ˈkē-(ˌ)wē

: any of a small genus (Apteryx) of flightless New Zealand birds with rudimentary wings, stout legs, a long bill, and grayish brown hairlike plumage

capitalized : a native or resident of New Zealand

—used as a nickname

: kiwifruit

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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

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His team started by cleaning up polluted beaches and planting half a million trees, also partnering with the Department of Conservation to reintroduce the indigenous brown kiwi bird, whose population in the North Island had dipped by 90 percent just 30 years ago. —

Erin Florio, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Mar. 2023 For me, the image of the silver sea with a red sail, and the graffiti of Barcelona celebrates the kiwi’s successful defense of the cup in Barcelona. —

Bill Springer, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2024 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, 22 Oct. 2024 Kiwi Originating from China and now available worldwide, kiwi is an exceptional source of vitamin C, boasting about 85 mg per 100 grams. —

Alessandra Signorelli, Vogue, 3 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for kiwi