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

Part of being a koala parent is being in close proximity to one another and frequently holding your child, hugging them, or cuddling with them. —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

In Australia, research shows even koalas could see a benefit to a shift to permanent DST. —Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 7 Mar. 2026

Also up in the Adelaide Hills, Cleland Wildlife Park gives visitors the chance to interact with some of Australia’s most iconic animals, including kangaroos, wallabies, and koalas. —Elizabeth Rhodes, Travel + Leisure, 4 Feb. 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