DictionarykiwiNew Zealand identity
noun / adjective

kiwi

Of or from New Zealand, informally.

My Kiwi neighbor shares stories about growing up in New Zealand.

Etymology

The native bird became a national emblem. Its name transferred to New Zealanders and then served as an informal adjective for things associated with the country.

More examples

  • Two Kiwis join us for dinner.
  • We listen to a Kiwi band on the drive home.
  • As a Kiwi living abroad, she misses her hometown.

Forms

Kiwi · Kiwis

Similar words

New Zealander
The standard nationality term, without the informal tone of Kiwi.