Definition of numbat
-s
: a small Australian marsupial (Myrmecobius fasciatus of the family Myrmecobiidae) that has a reddish-brown coat with white stripes on the back, a pointed snout, and a long slender tongue used to feed chiefly on termites —called also banded anteater
Indulge Your Inner Word Nerd
There's more!
Love words? You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.
Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:
- More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
- Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
- Advanced search features
- Ad free!
Origin and Etymology of numbat
native name in Australia
First Known Use: circa 1845
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up numbat? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!