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

Derived Forms

• New Zealander
  noun

Example Sentences

But it thumped New Zealand 4-0 in one of its final World Cup tuneups and lost to three other World Cup qualifiers — the U.S.,

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026

However, with Iran scheduled to begin play June 15 against New Zealand in Inglewood, the federation said in a statement that it is unable to provide any tickets to its supporters.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

Stokes returned scores of 12 and nought in England's first-Test win over New Zealand, but was not alone in struggling for runs on a Lord's surface that made batting a challenge.

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

He started England's 1-0 friendly win over New Zealand on Saturday and while Tuchel said there were "no hidden messages" within his first-half line-up, Walcott believes Rashford has to start at the World Cup.

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

The modern Maori are descendants of Polynesian farmers who colonized New Zealand around A.D.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond