numbat

noun

num·​bat ˈnəm-ˌbat 

plural -s

: a small Australian marsupial (Myrmecobius fasciatus of the family Myrmecobiidae) that has a reddish-brown coat with white stripes on the back, a pointed snout, and a long slender tongue used to feed chiefly on termites

called also banded anteater

Word History

Etymology

native name in Australia

First Known Use

circa 1845, in the meaning defined above

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!