koala

noun

ko·​ala kə-ˈwä-lə 

kō-ˈä-

: an Australian arboreal marsupial (Phascolarctos cinereus) that has a broad head, large hairy ears, dense gray fur, and sharp claws and feeds on eucalyptus leaves

called also koala bear

Illustration of koala

Examples of koala in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The koala is shown in the video with its back to the camera, seemingly unfazed by the room's human occupants. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025

And the country's iconic animals – koalas, wombats and kangaroos – are all marsupials. —New Atlas, 6 Feb. 2025

Newsletter Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news From jumping kangaroos to sleepy koalas to sturdy wombats, Australia is full of a variety of marsupials — animals that carry their premature young in a skin pouch until they are fully developed. —Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 6 Feb. 2025

Conversely, koala populations in Victoria and South Australia are considered stable and are not listed under the EPBC Act, the DCCEEW says. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Dharuk (Australian aboriginal language of the Port Jackson area) gula, gulawanʸ

First Known Use

1802, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for koala

• cabala
• corolla
• impala
• kabbalah
• kamala
• masala
• oglala
• allah
• bala
• cala
• cholla
• mala

Kids Definition

koala

noun

ko·​ala kō-ˈäl-ə 

kə-ˈwäl-ə

: an Australian tree-dwelling marsupial mammal that has large hairy ears, thick gray fur, sharp claws for climbing, and no tail and feeds on eucalyptus leaves

called also koala bear