kangaroo

noun

kan·​ga·​roo ˌkaŋ-gə-ˈrü 

plural kangaroos

: any of various herbivorous leaping marsupial mammals (family Macropodidae) of Australia, New Guinea, and adjacent islands with a small head, large ears, long powerful hind legs, a long thick tail used as a support and in balancing, and rather small forelegs not used in locomotion

Illustration of kangaroo

Examples of kangaroo in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The hood is ideal for protecting your head from snow or rain, and the kangaroo pocket keeps my hands nice and warm. —Nicol Natale, People.com, 2 Dec. 2024

It’s got the same fleece material on the inside and outside, a plus for anyone who snuggles up with you, a kangaroo pocket in the top and two hip pockets in the pants. —Clint Davis, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Nov. 2024

The Anorak Jacket incorporates a convenient kangaroo pocket and three-snap closure on the front, mimicking and melding a couple of classic looks—a cozy sweatshirt and the ever-popular three-quarter zip. —Outside Online, 22 Nov. 2024

Brittany, meanwhile, wore a kangaroo onesie and light brown winter boots. —Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 23 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Guugu Yimidhirr (Australian aboriginal language of northern Queensland) gaŋurru

First Known Use

1770, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing kangaroo

• kangaroo court
• kangaroo rat
• red kangaroo

Kids Definition

kangaroo

noun

kan·​ga·​roo ˌkaŋ-gə-ˈrü 

plural kangaroos

: any of numerous leaping marsupial mammals of Australia, New Guinea, and adjacent islands that feed on plants and have a small head, long powerful hind legs, a long thick tail used as a support in standing or walking, and in the female a pouch on the abdomen in which the young are carried