wallaby

noun

wal·​la·​by ˈwä-lə-bē How to pronounce wallaby (audio)
plural wallabies also wallaby
: any of various small or medium-sized kangaroos (especially genus Notamacropus) compare rock wallaby

Illustration of wallaby

Illustration of wallaby

Examples of wallaby in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Bindi, a young female wallaby, is inquisitive and extremely curious, while Wally, a young male wallaby, is more cautious and likes to look at things from afar, Borozenets said. — Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 The Jumping Junction group features six wallabies, 10 red kangaroos and two Western grey kangaroos, which are less than 2 years old. — Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 July 2026 The wallabies and deer were being kept in a garden used by the suspects and their young children, police said. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026 Bags were also strong, with new messenger and briefcase shapes in grain leather, while footwear saw new lace-up wallabies and the sleek leather flip-flop. — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for wallaby

Word History

Etymology

Dharuk (Australian Aboriginal language of the Port Jackson area) walabi, waliba

First Known Use

circa 1798, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wallaby was circa 1798

Phrases Containing wallaby

Browse Nearby Words

wallaba
wallaby
wallaby acacia
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wallaby.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wallaby. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

wallaby

noun
wal·​la·​by ˈwäl-ə-bē How to pronounce wallaby (audio)
plural wallabies also wallaby
: any of various small or medium-sized kangaroos

More from Merriam-Webster on wallaby

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about wallaby

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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