kiwi

noun

ki·​wi ˈkē-(ˌ)wē How to pronounce kiwi (audio)
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
capitalized : a native or resident of New Zealand
used as a nickname
3

Illustration of kiwi

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
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.
The last bare root hops, artichoke, kiwi, boysenberries, and strawberry plants. – Young Southern Highbush blueberry plants which are specially bred to thrive in our gardens’ hot, sunny, dry, alkaline conditions. Nan Sterman, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Feb. 2025 The flavor is somewhat reminiscent of kiwi, pear, and watermelon, with a faint floral note. Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Jan. 2025 Try Kiwis or Prunes Studies have shown that eating two kiwis a day can improve the number of bowel movements and stool consistency and reduce bloating symptoms for people with chronic constipation14 and IBS-C.15 Prunes were also beneficial in these studies. Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 14 Jan. 2025 The palate features a lively acidity with passionfruit flavors, kiwi, and a touch of green pepper. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 25 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for kiwi 

Word History

Etymology

Maori

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of kiwi was in 1835

Dictionary Entries Near kiwi

Cite this Entry

“Kiwi.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kiwi. Accessed 19 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

kiwi

noun
ki·​wi ˈkē-(ˌ)wē How to pronounce kiwi (audio)
1
: a flightless New Zealand bird with weak and undeveloped wings, stout legs, a long bill, and grayish brown hairlike feathers
2

More from Merriam-Webster on kiwi

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!