Definition of ostrich

Short definition: The word ostrich refers to a very large bird with long legs and a long neck that cannot fly but can run extremely fast, and it is often mentioned when talking about wildlife, speed, or unusual animal behavior.

Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the word ostrich? The word ostrich is commonly used when talking about large birds, wildlife, and well known animal behavior. It refers to the biggest living bird in the world, famous for its long legs and inability to fly. Beyond biology, the word is sometimes used figuratively to describe avoidance behavior. You will hear it in nature discussions, documentaries, and everyday expressions. Below, each meaning is explained in a calm and natural way, with enough detail to feel clear, human, and practical.

Forms: ostrich, ostriches
Related: bird n., flightless adj., wildlife n.
Syllable: os-trich

1. (Noun) A very large flightless bird with long legs and a long neck native to Africa.

   An ostrich is the largest living bird, unable to fly but capable of running at very high speeds, with powerful legs, a long neck, and a strong body adapted for life on open land rather than in the air.

   The ostrich ran across the open plain with incredible speed, easily outpacing the vehicle that followed it during the wildlife tour.
   Visitors were surprised by how tall the ostrich looked when it raised its long neck above the fence.
   A documentary explained how the ostrich uses its strong legs for defense and fast escape rather than flight.

   Synonyms: large flightless bird, African bird, running bird, ground dwelling bird, giant bird, non flying bird, long legged bird, savanna bird, heavy bird species, land bird, tall bird, fast runner bird
   Antonyms: flying bird, small bird, songbird, airborne bird, light bird, winged flier, tree dwelling bird, hovering bird, flying species, aerial animal, sky bird, flight capable bird

2. (Noun) A person who avoids reality or refuses to face an obvious problem.

   Figuratively, an ostrich describes someone who ignores clear problems or unpleasant facts, based on the false idea that ostriches hide their heads to avoid danger, meaning the person chooses denial instead of action.

   He acted like an ostrich about his financial troubles, hoping the issues would disappear if he ignored them long enough.
   The manager was criticized for being an ostrich and refusing to address obvious problems in the team.
   Pretending nothing is wrong does not help, she said, calling that kind of thinking ostrich behavior.

   Synonyms: avoider, reality denier, problem ignorer, head in the sand person, denial based thinker, avoidant person, escapist, non confronter, passive avoider, reality dodger, denial driven person, conflict avoider
   Antonyms: realist, problem solver, confrontational thinker, proactive person, truth accepter, responsible individual, decisive actor, direct thinker, face reality person, action taker, practical person, honest responder