kiwi

[ kee-wee ]

noun

, plural ki·wis.

1. any of several flightless, ratite birds of the genus Apteryx, of New Zealand, allied to the extinct moas.
2. Also called Chinese gooseberry. the egg-sized, edible berry of the Chinese gooseberry, having fuzzy brownish skin and slightly tart green flesh.
3. Slang.
   1. a member of an air service, as in World War I, who is confined to ground duty.
   2. a former pilot or member of a flight crew.
4. Informal. a New Zealander.

kiwi

/ ˈkiːwiː /

noun

1. any nocturnal flightless New Zealand bird of the genus Apteryx, having a long beak, stout legs, and weakly barbed feathers: order Apterygiformes See ratite
2. short for kiwi fruit
3. informal.
   a New Zealander

Word History and Origins

Origin of kiwi¹

Borrowed into English from Maori around 1825–35

Word History and Origins

Origin of kiwi¹

C19: from Māori, of imitative origin

Example Sentences

Based on invoices and bank statements seen by Panorama, it is understood SHE spent about £20,000 on building work and business start-up costs for Kiwi Beverages.

From BBC

Sir Ben Ainslie's team kept pace with the Kiwis over the first five legs but the Emirates New Zealand side pulled away, eventually finishing 28 seconds in front.

From BBC

Both sides had won their opening match and the Kiwis had a glimmer of hope on a slow pitch in Sharjah after they restricted the defending champions to 148-8.

From BBC

Days later, Red Bull confirmed he would be replaced for the rest of the season by young Kiwi Liam Lawson - news that stirred outrage and cries of mistreatment.

From BBC

When McCullum finally does ride off into the Kiwi sunset, expect England to replace him with one coach.

From BBC