koala

noun

ko·​ala kə-ˈwä-lə How to pronounce koala (audio)
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

Illustration of koala

Examples of koala in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 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 See All Example Sentences for koala

Word History

Etymology

Dharuk (Australian aboriginal language of the Port Jackson area) gula, gulawanʸ

First Known Use

1802, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of koala was in 1802

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Koala.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/koala. Accessed 29 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

koala

noun
ko·​ala kō-ˈäl-ə How to pronounce koala (audio)
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

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