marsupial

1 of 2

noun

mar·​su·​pi·​al mär-ˈsü-pē-əl 

: any of an order (Marsupialia) of mammals comprising kangaroos, wombats, bandicoots, opossums, and related animals that do not develop a true placenta and that usually have a pouch on the abdomen of the female which covers the teats and serves to carry the young

marsupial

2 of 2

adjective

1

: of, relating to, or being a marsupial

2

: of, relating to, or forming a marsupium

Examples of marsupial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Above the possum were bilbies, marsupials with rabbit-like long ears, and dingoes, Australia’s native dog. —ABC News, 18 Mar. 2026

Indigenous communities in the Tambrauw and Maybrat regions of West Papua assisted scientists in identifying the animals based on their knowledge of the marsupial’s behavior and lifestyle. —Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 9 Mar. 2026

Adjective

The common brushtail possum is one of the most widespread marsupial species in Australia. —Saleen Martin, USA Today, 23 Mar. 2026

From those teeth, Aplin was able to describe and classify two marsupial species. —Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 9 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

from the base of New Latin Marsupialia, order name, from neuter plural of marsūpiālis "of a pouch," from marsūpium "pouch, marsupium" + -ālis -al entry 1

Adjective

borrowed from New Latin marsūpiālis — more at marsupial entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1805, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1819, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

marsupial

1 of 2 adjective

mar·​su·​pi·​al mär-ˈsü-pē-əl 

: of, relating to, or being a marsupial

marsupial

2 of 2 noun

: any of an order of mammals (as kangaroos and opossums) that have a pouch on the abdomen of the female containing the teats and serving to carry the young