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Definition of kangaroo paw
kangaroo paw
Plural:kangaroo paws
kangaroo paw Lexical Profile
CEFR
C1
Grade
7
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
• noun
1
Australian A perennial flowering plant native to Western Australia (genus Anigozanthos), characterized by its striking, fuzzy, tubular flowers that grow in clusters resembling the foot of a kangaroo.
Example
"The botanical garden prominently featured vivid red and green kangaroo paws to attract native nectar-feeding birds."
Word Origin & Etymology
Named for the distinct physical resemblance of the plant's fuzzy, tubular, and clustered flowers to the curved claws and foot of a kangaroo. The plant is indigenous to southwestern 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 paw. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 13, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/kangaroo paw