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

If unicorns aren't your thing, don't worry—the brand also has other oversized animal plushes, like a pink pig, a monkey, or a koala. —Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Bsn, Parents, 14 Mar. 2025

While the eastern grey kangaroos used in this trial are not endangered, many of Australia’s marsupial species are, including koalas and Tasmanian devils. —Eric Cheung, CNN, 6 Feb. 2025

These dynamics could cause trouble for the suburban koalas, leaving them susceptible to disease. —Sam Walters, Discover Magazine, 28 Feb. 2025

Modern Australia is known for its array of wildlife: poisonous snakes and spiders, saltwater crocodiles, koalas, kangaroos, and more. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 19 Feb. 2025

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