koala

/koʊˈɑlə/

/kəʊˈɑlə/

Other forms: koalas

A koala is a small Australian animal that lives primarily in trees and is often mistaken for a bear. Koalas, not bears at all, are actually related to kangaroos.

Koalas, like their kangaroo cousins, are marsupials, animals that carry their young in pouches. They do resemble bears, with their round bodies and ears, thick gray fur, stubby tails, and bear-like behavior. The name koala comes from the Australian Aboriginal language Dharug, in which this animal is called a gula. Koalas are famous for eating eucalyptus leaves and being generally adorable.

Definitions of koala

1. noun

   sluggish tailless Australian arboreal marsupial with grey furry ears and coat; feeds on eucalyptus leaves and bark
   synonyms: Phascolarctos cinereus, kangaroo bear, koala bear, native bear

   type of:

   opossum, phalanger, possum

   small furry Australian arboreal marsupials having long usually prehensile tails