kangaroo

kan-ga-roo · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A large marsupial native to Australia, characterized by powerful hind legs used for hopping, a long muscular tail for balance, and a pouch in which females carry their young.

  2. 2.

    (Informal) Used attributively to describe things associated with Australia or having kangaroo-like characteristics.

Forms

plural: kangaroos

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    kangaroo court — An unofficial court or tribunal that ignores proper legal procedure, often delivering harsh or unfair judgments
  • •
    kangaroo hop — To move in a series of bouncing jumps, like a kangaroo
  • •
    kangaroo care — A method of caring for premature babies involving skin-to-skin contact with parents

Related words

See also: joey, marsupial, wallaby
Synonyms: roo

Etymology

From Guugu Yimithirr (an Australian Aboriginal language) gangurru, specifically referring to grey kangaroos. The word was recorded by Captain James Cook's expedition in 1770.