What does koala mean?
A koala is a distinctive Australian marsupial that spends most of its life in eucalyptus trees. Its thick fur, large furry ears, broad nose, and strong claws are well suited to an arboreal lifestyle, while its specialised gut allows it to obtain nourishment from eucalyptus leaves, which are toxic to many animals. Koalas are often portrayed as slow and sleepy, but they can move quickly through the canopy when threatened. They are native to eastern and southeastern Australia and are threatened by habitat loss, drought, disease, and bushfires. The term “koala bear” is an old common name, although koalas are not bears: like other marsupials, they give birth to highly undeveloped young that continue developing in a pouch. “Koalas” is the standard plural form.
nounA stocky, tree-dwelling marsupial native to eastern and southeastern Australia, with thick grey fur, large rounded ears, and a broad black nose. Koalas feed mainly on eucalyptus leaves.
- A tree-dwelling herbivorous marsupial native to Australia, especially the eucalyptus forests of eastern and southeastern Australia.
"The koala slept curled around a branch in the eucalyptus tree."
"Researchers are tracking the health of koalas affected by drought and bushfires."
"The sanctuary provides specialist care for orphaned koalas."
Add “-s” to form the plural: one koala, two koalas.
"The reserve is home to hundreds of koalas."
Despite its sleepy image and bear-like appearance, a koala is a marsupial: its young are born extremely undeveloped and later develop in the mother's pouch.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does koala come from?
The English word “koala” was borrowed from an Australian Aboriginal language, with the name commonly linked to Dharug, and entered English usage in the early nineteenth century. Early English speakers sometimes called the animal a “koala bear,” apparently because of its robust appearance, although it is a marsupial and not a bear. The scientific name Phascolarctos cinereus was applied within the formal zoological naming tradition and reflects its status as a distinct marsupial.
How koala is actually used
In modern usage, “koala” is the standard term; “koala bear” is historically established but can be misleading because koalas are marsupials rather than bears. The plural is “koalas,” not “koalaes.”
Easily confused with koala
“Koala bear” is an old common name for a koala, but a koala is a marsupial, not a bear.