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

These marsupials are probably ecological analogues of early primates. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 24 June 2025

In Australia, marsupials became a unique group, and placental mammals, those that develop during pregnancy, started to thrive on other continents. —Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 16 June 2025

Adjective

Scientists don't know much about how a marsupial mole makes its way in life, or how these moles have evolved over time. —Nell Greenfieldboyce, NPR, 2 Jan. 2025

Part of the marsupial family, Quokkas have a permanent grin. —Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 6 Nov. 2024

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