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

England are due to name a squad for the second Test against New Zealand at The Oval, beginning on 17 June.

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

However, he was impressed with Bellingham's performance in Saturday's World Cup warm-up match against New Zealand in Tampa, believing he has hit a "sweet spot" heading into the tournament.

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

Rashford was England's bright spark in the first half against New Zealand, creating five chances.

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

With all these off-field developments, can the Iranians play their best football against New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt and finally advance from the group stage -- a feat they have never achieved?

From Barron's • Jun. 7, 2026

“I guarantee at least Japan and New Zealand have a few leaving in the next few days. The question is whether or not they have a secret viable settlement too.”

From "The Last Cuentista" by Donna Barba Higuera