emu

1 of 2

noun

ˈē-(ˌ)myü How to pronounce emu (audio)
-mü
: a swift-running Australian ratite bird (Dromaius novaehollandiae) with undeveloped wings that is smaller than the ostrich

Illustration of emu

Illustration of emu

emu

2 of 2

abbreviation

electromagnetic unit

Examples of emu in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The emu father squatted on eggs to keep them warmon Thursday evening. — Larry Seward, CBS News, 15 Jan. 2026 In a statement shared by the zoo, officials confirmed that a 21-year-old female emu named Adam died during the storm. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026 Unrefined and therapeutic-grade emu oil is fairly different from the more common refined emu oil. — Bestreviews, Mercury News, 13 Feb. 2026 Luckily for her—but not for the emu, whose name was Toby—the enormous bird was eventually killed by a mountain lion instead. — Erin Vanderhoof, Vanity Fair, 16 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for emu

Word History

Etymology

Noun

modification of Portuguese ema cassowary

First Known Use

Noun

1842, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of emu was in 1842

Rhymes for emu

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Browse Nearby Words

EMT
emu
emu apple
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Emu.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/emu. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

emu

noun
ˈē-myü
: a swift-running Australian bird with undeveloped wings that is related to but smaller than the ostrich

More from Merriam-Webster on emu

Nglish: Translation of emu for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about emu

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