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

Over a decade, 680 koalas were tracked, with five vaccine trials involving 165 koalas. —New Atlas, 9 Sep. 2025

Over the years, we’ve been introduced to koala moms, helicopter parents, and free-range caregivers. —Hannah Silverman, Parents, 8 Aug. 2025

Most come here for island excursions focused on stunning formations, rugged views, and unique wildlife, from penguins to koalas. —Laura Dannen Redman, Robb Report, 28 July 2025

This is different from marsupial mammals, which include opossums, kangaroos, wombats, and koalas. —Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 19 July 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