ostrich

/ˈɑstrɪtʃ/

/ˈɒstrɪtʃ/

Other forms: ostriches

An ostrich is a huge, flightless bird with long legs and two toes on each foot. Although they weigh as much as 265 pounds, ostriches can run almost 45 miles per hour.

Ostriches are related to emus, but they're about three times larger. There are two modern species of ostrich, both native to Africa. Ostriches are often farmed for their distinctive soft, loose feathers (which are used in feather dusters and in fashion design). Colloquially, an ostrich is also someone who avoids difficulty by refusing to face it, a use that comes from the birds' habit of putting their heads in the sand — although they do it to hunt for snacks!

Definitions of ostrich

1. noun

   fast-running African flightless bird with two-toed feet; largest living bird
   synonyms: Struthio camelus

   type of:

   flightless bird, ratite, ratite bird

   any of a group of flightless bird species with flat, unkeeled breastbones, such as ostriches, cassowaries, emus, and kiwis
2. noun

   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)
   type of:

   individual, mortal, person, somebody, someone, soul

   a human being