joey

Definition

The immature young of a marsupial, notably a junior kangaroo, but also a young wallaby, koala, etc.

Etymology

Unknown. Older and more general sources state that joey comes from an Australian Aboriginal language (cited as joè), but newer sources that focus on Australian English and Aboriginal languages say the origin is unknown. The Australian National Dictionary includes a sense of “young possum” with citations predating the earliest “young kangaroo” citations.

Example Sentences

• "As soon as a joey is born, it crawls into its mother's pouch. The joey grows in the pouch."
• "Among the kangaroo words that yield the most joviality and joy are those that conceal multiple joeys."
• "Sometimes a kangaroo word has more than one joey."