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takahe

noun
ta·​ka·​he | \ tä-ˈkä-(ˌ)hā How to pronounce takahe (audio) \

Definition of takahe

: a flightless bird (Porphyrio mantelli synonym Notornis mantelli) of the rail family that occurs in New Zealand

Examples of takahe in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 Surrounded by a seven-foot metal fence with a mesh too tight even for a rat to wriggle through, the sanctuary is home to such odd birds as the hefty, flightless takahe and the manic hihi. — Charlie Hamilton James, National Geographic, "How rats became an inescapable part of city living," 17 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'takahe.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of takahe

1851, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for takahe

Maori

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More from Merriam-Webster on takahe

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about takahe

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