kea

noun

ˈkē-ə How to pronounce kea (audio)
: a large mostly dull green New Zealand parrot (Nestor notabilis) that is normally insectivorous but sometimes destroys sheep by slashing the back to feed on the kidney fat

Examples of kea 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.
This was a task that keas are reported to have managed with ease but most of the giraffes failed. — John Timmer, Ars Technica, 4 May 2023 Known locally as Johnny rooks, these mischievous, playful and often destructive falcons excel at problem-solving, acting rather like keas, a highly intelligent alpine parrot that lives in the mountains of New Zealand. — Grrlscientist, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Maori

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of kea was in 1862

Rhymes for kea

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Cite this Entry

“Kea.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kea. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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Geographical Definition

Kea

geographical name

ˈkā-ä How to pronounce Kea (audio)
variants or ancient Ceos
ˈsē-ˌäs How to pronounce Kea (audio)
island of Greece in the northwestern Cyclades Islands island area 67 square miles (174 square kilometers)

Note: Kea's chief town is also named Kea.

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