What does "ostrich" mean?
A large flightless bird of the order Struthioniformes.
Ostrich
/ˈɒs.tɹɪt͡ʃ/ noun
noun ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A large flightless bird of the order Struthioniformes.
- Grammar: ostrich is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: avian, avoidance, avoidant, denial.
- Useful contrasts: confrontation, confrontational, engagement.
- Usage evidence: The pigeon and the ostrich are both birds; one can fly and the other cannot.
How to use "ostrich"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "ostrich" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "ostrich" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "ostrich" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "ostrich" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "ostrich" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "avian" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "ostrich", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A large flightless bird of the order Struthioniformes.
- 2 fast-running African flightless bird with two-toed feet; largest living bird wordnet
- 3 A large flightless bird of the order Struthioniformes.; The most widespread species of the genus, known as the common ostrich (Struthio camelus).
"Could a Taff'ta ſcarf, a long Eſtridge vvhing, / A ſtiffe Iron Doublet, and a Brazeel Pole / Tempt thee from Cambrick ſheets, fine active Thighs, / From Caudles vvhere the precious Amber ſvvims?"
- 4 a person who refuses to face reality or recognize the truth (a reference to the popular notion that the ostrich hides from danger by burying its head in the sand) wordnet
- 5 The rhea. obsolete
"The Lengua Indians of the Gran Chaco love to hunt the ostrich"
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 One who buries their head in the sand instead of acknowledging problems. figuratively
- 7 The hypothetical completion of a hole five strokes under par (a quintuple birdie, quadruple eagle, triple albatross, or double condor).
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"The pigeon and the ostrich are both birds; one can fly and the other cannot."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "ostrich"?
Common synonyms include: avian, avoidance, avoidant, denial, flightless bird, large-scale.
How do you use "ostrich" in a sentence?
The pigeon and the ostrich are both birds; one can fly and the other cannot.
How do you pronounce "ostrich"?
Pronounced /ˈɒs.tɹɪt͡ʃ/.
Etymology
From Middle English ostrich, ostriche, ostryche, ostrige, borrowed from Anglo-Norman ostrige and Old French ostruce, from Vulgar Latin *austruthio, from Latin avis (“bird”) + strūthiō (“ostrich”), from Ancient Greek στρουθίων (strouthíōn), or shortened from strūthiocamēlus, from Ancient Greek στρουθοκᾰ́μηλος (strouthokắmēlos), from στρουθός (strouthós, “sparrow”) + κάμηλος (kámēlos, “camel”). Compare Spanish avestruz and Portuguese avestruz.