marsupial

1 of 2

noun

mar·​su·​pi·​al mär-ˈsü-pē-əl 

: any of an order (Marsupialia) of mammals comprising kangaroos, wombats, bandicoots, opossums, and related animals that do not develop a true placenta and that usually have a pouch on the abdomen of the female which covers the teats and serves to carry the young

marsupial

2 of 2

adjective

1

: of, relating to, or being a marsupial

2

: of, relating to, or forming a marsupium

Examples of marsupial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

In the arid landscape of Western Australia, a carnivorous marsupial once roamed. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2025

The Australian marsupial was introduced to New Zealand for its fur, but has spread far and wide, devouring native tree foliage and reducing the habitat and food supply for native birds. —Lauren Sommer, NPR, 18 Sep. 2025

Adjective

Researchers have provisionally named the new marsupial species Bettongia haoucharae. —Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 6 Sep. 2025

This is different from marsupial mammals, which include opossums, kangaroos, wombats, and koalas. —Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 19 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

from the base of New Latin Marsupialia, order name, from neuter plural of marsūpiālis "of a pouch," from marsūpium "pouch, marsupium" + -ālis -al entry 1

Adjective

borrowed from New Latin marsūpiālis — more at marsupial entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1805, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1819, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

marsupial

1 of 2 adjective

mar·​su·​pi·​al mär-ˈsü-pē-əl 

: of, relating to, or being a marsupial

marsupial

2 of 2 noun

: any of an order of mammals (as kangaroos and opossums) that have a pouch on the abdomen of the female containing the teats and serving to carry the young