What does kangaroo mean?
A kangaroo is a large marsupial native to Australia and New Guinea, recognizable by its powerful hind legs, long tail, and pouch, in which the female carries and nurses her young. Its unusual movement—sometimes described as bounding or hopping—has made the animal a familiar symbol of Australia. In ordinary English, “kangaroo” primarily means this animal, although it can also be used informally for an Australian person. The word entered English from an Indigenous Australian language in the late eighteenth century and has remained a well-known example of a borrowed English word. Related zoological terms such as wallaby and macropod describe other members of the same broad group, but they are not exact synonyms in precise usage.
nounA large, mostly herbivorous marsupial native to Australia and New Guinea, with powerful hind legs, a long muscular tail, and a pouch in which females carry and nurse their young. The term is also used informally for people from Australia.
- A large marsupial of the family Macropodidae, native mainly to Australia and New Guinea.
- Informally, an Australian person.
"The kangaroo bounded across the grassland with surprising speed."
"A young kangaroo remained in its mother’s pouch until it was old enough to travel outside."
"The match was delayed after one player was accused of kangarooing onto the field."
The standard plural is formed by adding “-s.”
"Several kangaroos rested in the shade of the trees."
The word “kangaroo” entered English from an Indigenous Australian language during Captain James Cook’s 1770 voyage, becoming one of the most distinctive loanwords in the language.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does kangaroo come from?
The English word “kangaroo” comes from the Guugu Yimidhirr language of northeastern Australia. The word was recorded during Captain James Cook’s 1770 voyage and refers to the large hopping marsupials encountered by the expedition. It was borrowed into English and subsequently became associated broadly with Australia, although it was not originally the name of every Australian marsupial.
How kangaroo is actually used
In general use, “kangaroo” refers to the familiar large macropod, while “wallaby” can refer to various smaller macropods. The informal sense meaning an Australian person is usually affectionate or humorous and can sound dismissive if used carelessly. “Kangaroo court” denotes an informal or irregularly organized legal proceeding.
Easily confused with kangaroo
A wallaby is a smaller member of the macropod group, whereas a kangaroo is a large macropod; the terms overlap in casual usage but are not interchangeable in precise zoological descriptions.