marsupial

1 of 2

noun

mar·​su·​pi·​al mär-ˈsü-pē-əl How to pronounce marsupial (audio)
: 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
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.
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 See All Example Sentences for marsupial

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of marsupial was in 1805

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Marsupial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/marsupial. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

marsupial

1 of 2 adjective
mar·​su·​pi·​al mär-ˈsü-pē-əl How to pronounce marsupial (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on marsupial

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!