Koala
/koʊˈɑːlə/noun
An arboreal Australian marsupial that feeds mainly on eucalyptus leaves.
Did you know?English adopted “koala” from an Australian Aboriginal language, probably Dharug, though the exact source form and meaning remain debated by linguists.
Etymological Timeline
Pre-European Australia
Dharug
gula or gulamany
“A proposed Aboriginal source for the animal’s name; the exact original form is uncertain.”
Late 18th Century
English
coola or koolewong
“Early colonial spellings recorded in New South Wales.”
1798
English
koala
“One of the earliest recorded English forms of the animal’s name.”
19th Century
English
koala
“The spelling became established in zoological and popular writing.”
Modern English
English
koala
“The standard name for the eucalyptus-eating Australian marsupial.”