huia

[ hoo-yuh ]

noun

1. an apparently extinct, crowlike bird, Heteralocha acutirostris, of New Zealand, noted for the completely different bill shapes of the male and female.

huia

/ ˈhʊɪjə /

noun

1. an extinct bird of New Zealand, Heteralocha acutirostris, prized by early Māoris for its distinctive tail feathers

Word History and Origins

Origin of huia¹

First recorded in 1835–45, huia is from the Maori word hūia

Word History and Origins

Origin of huia¹

Māori

Example Sentences

The huia bird was sacred to the Māori people.

From BBC

The huia was a small songbird of the wattlebird family in New Zealand and was known for its jumping abilities and beautiful plumage, which is distinct for the white tip across the edge.

From BBC

In the past, the huia feathers were a status mark to Māori people.

From BBC

Mientras ellos trataban de entrar, el narco huía de ahí con su amante por un pasadizo secreto.

From BBC

Mucho antes de ser apuñalada y vencida por Blancanieves, la malvada reina Ravenna fue testigo de cómo su hermana Freya sufría una desgarradora traición y huía del reino.

From Los Angeles Times