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

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

Newcomer Maia Kealoha will star as Lilo, while Chris Sanders (who voiced Stitch in the original film) will reprise his role as the extraterrestrial life-form resembling a blue koala. —Kelsie Gibson, People.com, 15 Dec. 2024

A couple's shock upon discovering a koala sitting in their bedroom in Australia has taken TikTok by storm. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024

Two koalas tussle in Toohey Forest, Brisbane, June 5, 2024. —Hilary Whiteman, CNN, 28 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1802, in the meaning defined above

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