: any of various usually very large extinct flightless birds of New Zealand of a ratite order (Dinornithiformes) including two (Dinornis robustus and D. novaezelandiae of the family Dinornithidae) nearly 12 feet (3.7 meters) in height
Examples of moa in a Sentence
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Researchers are also working with emu eggs in efforts related to reviving the moa, another extinct flightless bird once native to New Zealand.
—
Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 16 Mar. 2026
Because birds reproduce through eggs rather than live birth, the dodo and moa projects involve a different set of biological challenges than the dire wolf work.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 16 Mar. 2026
The filmmaker is also a Colossal investor and inspiration for the company's project to de-extinct the giant moa, a long extinct bird species.
—Mike Snider, USA Today, 17 Feb. 2026
In the past, Colossal has also revealed plans to revive other species of extinct animals like the Tasmanian tiger, New Zealand’s giant moa, and woolly mammoths.
—Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 18 Sep. 2025
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Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 16 Mar. 2026
Because birds reproduce through eggs rather than live birth, the dodo and moa projects involve a different set of biological challenges than the dire wolf work.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 16 Mar. 2026
The filmmaker is also a Colossal investor and inspiration for the company's project to de-extinct the giant moa, a long extinct bird species.
—Mike Snider, USA Today, 17 Feb. 2026
In the past, Colossal has also revealed plans to revive other species of extinct animals like the Tasmanian tiger, New Zealand’s giant moa, and woolly mammoths.
—Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 18 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for moa
Cite this Entry
“Moa.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/moa. Accessed 21 Mar. 2026.
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moa
noun
: any of various usually very large extinct birds of New Zealand that were not able to fly
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