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

As part of Queen Elizabeth's Diamond Jubilee Tour, Camilla and Charles stopped by Adelaide, Australia, to hold two koalas, Kao and Matilda. —Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 9 Apr. 2026

In one recent instance, a bus driver in Australia rescued a koala from an outdoor light pole, putting it on his bus before calling a koala rescue charity. —Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2026

Below parenting experts weigh in on koala parenting including the benefits, downsides, and tips for success. —Sherri Gordon, Parents, 15 Mar. 2026

In others, including several marsupials such as wombats and koalas, the appendix appears shorter or more funnel-shaped. —Lilia Goncharova, The Conversation, 9 Mar. 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

• cabala
• corolla
• impala
• kabbalah
• kamala
• masala
• oglala
• allah
• bala
• cala
• cholla
• mala

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