noun Uncommon

ostrich

OS-trihch

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Ostrich (noun) means a very large flightless African bird with long legs and neck, the fastest running bird on Earth. Example: “An ostrich can outrun most predators despite being unable to fly.”

noun

A very large flightless African bird with long legs and neck, the fastest running bird on Earth.

"An ostrich can outrun most predators despite being unable to fly."

"The farm raised ostriches for their meat, feathers, and eggs."

A person who refuses to acknowledge an obvious problem, as if hiding their head to avoid seeing it.

"Ignoring the warning signs won't help — don't be an ostrich about the company's finances."

How to use ostrich

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe huge flightless bird known for burying its head — also a figure of speech for someone who avoids facing reality.

Common mistake

The idea that ostriches literally "bury their heads in the sand" is a myth — the figurative meaning of avoiding problems is what survives in modern use.

Common pairings

bury your head like an ostrich act like an ostrich

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: ostriches

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

An _____ can outrun most predators despite being unable to fly.

Etymology

From Middle English ostrich, via Old French ostruce, from Vulgar Latin roots combining "bird" and a word borrowed from Greek for the same bird — itself thought to come from "sparrow" plus "camel," describing its odd mix of bird and beast-like features.

Origin: Vulgar Latin

Frequently asked questions

What does “ostrich” mean?

The word “ostrich” means a very large flightless African bird with long legs and neck, the fastest running bird on Earth. In plain terms, the huge flightless bird known for burying its head — also a figure of speech for someone who avoids facing reality.

How do you pronounce “ostrich”?

“Ostrich” is pronounced OS-trihch (/ˈɔs.tɹɪt͡ʃ/ in IPA).

How do you use “ostrich” in a sentence?

Here is “ostrich” used in a sentence: “An ostrich can outrun most predators despite being unable to fly.”

What part of speech is “ostrich”?

“Ostrich” is a noun.

Where does the word “ostrich” come from?

The word “ostrich” comes from Vulgar Latin.

Is “ostrich” a common word?

“Ostrich” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “ostrich” have?

“Ostrich” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a very large flightless African bird with long legs and neck, the fastest running bird on Earth.