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Definition of kangaroo

kangaroo

/ˌkæŋ.ɡəˈruː/
kan · ga · roo
Plural:kangaroos
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kangaroo Lexical Profile

kangaroo Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A large plant-eating marsupial native to Australia and New Guinea, characterized by a long, powerful tail, highly developed hind legs adapted for leaping, and a pouch in the female for carrying its young.

Example

"While driving through the Australian outback, the tourists stopped to watch a red kangaroo bounding effortlessly across the plains."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for kangaroo

• Rhymes for kangaroo

• Nearby Words

kampala
kampar
kandahar
kangaroo
kangaroo paw
kangchenjunga
kangkong

Word Origin & Etymology

From the Guugu Yimidhirr word 'gangurru', referring to a large black or grey species of kangaroo. It was first recorded in English by Captain James Cook in 1770 during his voyage to Australia.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Kangaroo. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 4, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/kangaroo
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