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

However, there was no empirical evidence directly demonstrating a clear link between temperature and koala mortality. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 26 May 2026

His love for animals was developed through an affinity for koala bears. —Dave Campbell, Chicago Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026

The changes bring a bit of the Australian outback to the zoo for koalas, which are an endangered species. —Cody Jackson, Sun Sentinel, 24 Apr. 2026

On April 16, MGK shared an Instagram carousel from his trip to Australia, which included photos with a koala, a new tattoo honoring his late friend Dingo and various moments on stage. —Daniela Avila, PEOPLE, 23 Apr. 2026

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

• allah
• bala
• cala
• cholla
• mala
• sala
• scala
• amygdala
• areola
• cabala
• corolla
• impala

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