cuscus

noun

cus·​cus ˈkəs-ˌkəs How to pronounce cuscus (audio)
plural cuscus also cuscuses
: any of several possums (see possum sense 2) (as of the genera Phalanger and Spilocuscus of the family Phalangeridae) of New Guinea and northern Australia
Cuscus, tree-dwelling marsupials can also be observed as they move through the canopy in slow motion.Robert H. Mohelenbrock

Examples of cuscus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Per The Guardian's report on the arrests, the Sulawesi bear cuscus is listed as a vulnerable species. Esme Mazzeo, Peoplemag, 7 Mar. 2024 The Sulawesi bear cuscus, a tree-dwelling marsupial unique to the island, also seems to have played a symbolic role. Theodora Sutcliffe, Discover Magazine, 18 May 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cuscus.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1662, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cuscus was in 1662

Dictionary Entries Near cuscus

Cite this Entry

“Cuscus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cuscus. Accessed 15 Oct. 2024.

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