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

See Examples For:

New Zealand

Former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming is expected to be appointed as England Test coach after the sacking of Brendon McCullum.

From BBC ● Jul. 29, 2026

At Rosewood’s three hotels located throughout New Zealand, the chefs honor this ethically sourced ethos, working with local purveyors and farmers to source indigenous ingredients like beach spinach, fern fronds and abalone.

From Salon ● Jul. 26, 2026

Some clinics call it the “wolverine compound” because of its healing properties, though New Zealand has recommended that BPC-157 is classified as a prescription drug.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 23, 2026

In the past year New Zealand had introduced several policies the report said would reduce emissions.

From Barron's ● Jul. 22, 2026

He pays attention to slaves, rocks, lightning, finches, and the ceremony of pressing noses in New Zealand.

From "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr