Search Dictionary
Definition of emu
emu
/ˈiː.mjuː/
e · mu
Plural:emus
emu Lexical Profile
CEFR
B1
Grade
3
Tier
2
Usage
Top 10k
emu Game Scores & Validity
Scrabble US
Scrabble UK
WWF
Wordle Guess
• noun
1
A large, flightless, fast-running bird (Dromaius novaehollandiae) native to Australia, similar to an ostrich but with shaggy gray or brown plumage and three-toed feet.
Example
"During our trip to the Australian outback, we saw an emu running swiftly across the arid plains."
Word Origin & Etymology
Early 17th century: from Portuguese 'ema', originally denoting a cassowary, ostrich, or rhea.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.
180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Emu. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 17, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/emu