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

McCullum will return to the UK in May, before the Test series against New Zealand in June.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

Booth said England should have come clean much sooner about an incident involving white-ball captain Harry Brook on the tour of New Zealand that preceded the Ashes.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

Earlier this week, the central banks of India and New Zealand also held rates, mirroring peers across Asia and the West.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

New Zealand welcomed the ceasefire but warned that there remains "significant work" to be done to secure peace.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

And the greatest hue and cry came from Rob Hall, who was leading a small, impecunious New Zealand team.

From "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer