How Do You Spell KIWI?

Pronunciation: [kˈiːwiː] (IPA)

The word ‘kiwi’ is spelled using the English alphabet, but it actually comes from the Maori language of New Zealand. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is spelled /ˈkiwi/, with a stress on the first syllable. The ‘k’ sound is produced by pressing the back of the tongue against the soft palate, followed by a long ‘ee’ sound made by stretching the lips wide. The ‘w’ sound is made by rounding the lips and blowing air out in a tight circle.

KIWI Meaning and Definition

  1. Kiwi is a noun that primarily refers to a flightless bird native to New Zealand. It belongs to the Apterygidae family and is known for its small size, round body, and long beak. The kiwi bird is unique as it lays the largest egg in proportion to its body size among all bird species. It possesses hair-like feathers, lacks a functioning tail, and has short wings that are not adapted for flying. The bird's plumage varies in color, typically consisting of shades of brown, which aids in camouflaging it in its natural habitat.

    Beyond its avian reference, kiwi can also denote a juicy fruit, commonly known as kiwifruit or Chinese gooseberry. This fruit is often oblong or oval-shaped, with a characteristic fibrous, brown skin that encases vibrant green or golden flesh speckled with small black seeds. Renowned for its tangy and slightly sweet taste, the kiwifruit is packed with vital nutrients, including vitamin C, potassium, and dietary fiber. It is commonly consumed fresh or added to various culinary preparations, such as salads, smoothies, or desserts.

    In a broader sense, "kiwi" can be used as a colloquial term to describe a New Zealander, as the word originated from the indigenous Maori language. This usage stems from the kiwi bird's association with the country, serving as a national symbol and emblem. Therefore, "kiwi" can signify a person from New Zealand or something pertaining to the culture, traditions, or products of the country.

Top Common Misspellings for KIWI *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for KIWI

Etymology of KIWI

The word "kiwi" has a fascinating etymology. It is derived from the Māori language, which is an indigenous Polynesian language spoken by the Māori people of New Zealand. The Māori word for kiwi is "kiwi" as well.

The term "kiwi" has ancient origins in Māori mythology. Kiwi is a bird native to New Zealand and holds great importance in Māori culture. In Māori mythology, the kiwi is considered a taonga (treasure), and it is a symbolic representation of the Māori people themselves. The bird is known for its small size, flightlessness, and unique features, including its long beak and thick brown plumage.

When Europeans first encountered the bird, they adopted the Māori name "kiwi" to refer to this unique creature.

Similar spelling words for KIWI

Plural form of KIWI is KIWIS

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