New Zealand

American  

[zee-luhnd] / ˈzi lənd /

noun

1. a country in the South Pacific, southeast of Australia, consisting of North Island, South Island, and adjacent small islands: a member of the Commonwealth of Nations: 103,416 sq. mi. (267,845 sq. km). Wellington.

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New Zealand British  

/ ˈziːlənd /

noun

1. an independent dominion within the Commonwealth, occupying two main islands (the North Island and the South Island), Stewart Island, the Chatham Islands, and a number of minor islands in the SE Pacific: original Māori inhabitants ceded sovereignty to the British government in 1840; became a dominion in 1907; a major world exporter of dairy products, wool, and meat. Official languages: English and Māori. Religion: Christian majority, nonreligious and Māori minorities. Currency: New Zealand dollar. Capital: Wellington. Pop: 4 365 113 (2013 est). Area: 270 534 sq km (104 454 sq miles)

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New Zealand Cultural  

1. Nation in the southern Pacific Ocean containing two principal islands — North Island and South Island — and several small outlying islands. Its capital is Wellington, and its largest city is Auckland.

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Discover More

New Zealand is known for its sheep industry and spectacular scenery.

Other Word Forms

• New Zealander
  noun

Example Sentences

Ben Stokes said retiring from international cricket is the "best thing" for him after he revealed England's final Test against New Zealand will be his last.

From BBC • Jun. 28, 2026

He led England in the first Test against New Zealand, a win at Lord's, then missed the second, because of the nightclub incident.

From BBC • Jun. 28, 2026

Still, there was no sense of the seismic news to come as New Zealand slowly strengthened their grip on the Test across the fourth morning and afternoon.

From BBC • Jun. 28, 2026

Harry Brook's off-the-field behaviour in New Zealand is the reason for the curfew.

From BBC • Jun. 28, 2026

I must be dreaming; they’re rare birds found only in New Zealand and practically extinct by now.

From "Sparrow" by Sarah Moon