Kangaroo
Pronunciation
- UK IPA: /kaŋɡəˈɹuË/
- US IPA: /ˌkæŋɡəˈɹu/
Origin
From Guugu Yimidhirr gangurru ("eastern grey kangaroo").
Full definition of kangaroo
Noun
kangaroo
(plural kangaroos)- A member of the Macropodidae family of large marsupials with strong hind legs for hopping, native to Australia. from 18th c.
- 1770, James Cook, Journal, 4 August 1770 http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/8106:Besides the Animals which I have before mentioned, called by the Natives Kangooroo, or Kanguru ….
- 1814, Matthew Flinders, A Voyage to Terra Australis:In the woods are the kanguroo, the emu or cassowary, paroquets, and a variety of small birds ….
- (Canada, attributive) A hooded jacket with a front pocket, usually of fleece material, a kangaroo jacket.
Synonyms
- (Macropodidae) macropod, roo
- (jacket) bunny hug, hoodie, kangaroo jacket
Derived terms
Verb
- To practice kangaroo care on an infant; to hold a premature infant against the skin.
- To hunt kangaroo.