coala: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Neutral to formal. Widely recognized internationally due to its status as an iconic species.
Quick answer
What does “coala” mean?
A small, slow-moving, tree-dwelling marsupial native to Australia, with thick grey fur, large ears, and sharp claws, primarily eating eucalyptus leaves.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, slow-moving, tree-dwelling marsupial native to Australia, with thick grey fur, large ears, and sharp claws, primarily eating eucalyptus leaves.
1. The animal species *Phascolarctos cinereus*. 2. Sometimes used as a symbol for Australia or Australian wildlife. 3. Occasionally used metaphorically to describe a person who is very attached, clingy, or passive.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling and pronunciation are consistent. The species is not native to either region, so usage is purely referential to the Australian animal.
Connotations
Both varieties associate the word with cuteness, Australia, and conservation. No negative connotations inherent to the word itself.
Frequency
Equal frequency in both varieties due to its status as a well-known foreign animal.
Grammar
How to Use “coala” in a Sentence
The koala [verb] in the eucalyptus tree.We saw a [adjective] koala.The koala is [prepositional phrase].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “coala” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Koala is not used as a verb.]
American English
- [Koala is not used as a verb.]
adverb
British English
- [Koala is not used as an adverb.]
American English
- [Koala is not used as an adverb.]
adjective
British English
- The koala conservation efforts are increasing.
- They visited a koala sanctuary near Brisbane.
American English
- The koala exhibit at the San Diego Zoo is popular.
- She bought a koala plush toy as a souvenir.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially in tourism, conservation funding, or branding (e.g., 'Koala Airlines').
Academic
Common in biology, zoology, ecology, and conservation studies.
Everyday
Common when discussing animals, Australia, or wildlife documentaries.
Technical
Used in zoological and veterinary contexts with precise taxonomic classification.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coala”
- Incorrect: 'a koala bear' (scientifically inaccurate but widely used). Incorrect plural: 'koala' for multiple (correct: koalas). Incorrect: using 'koala' as an adjective without a hyphen (e.g., 'koala sanctuary' is correct).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a marsupial. The term 'koala bear' is a common but scientifically inaccurate misnomer.
Koalas are native to specific regions of eastern and southeastern Australia.
Their diet of eucalyptus leaves is low in nutrients and high in fibrous matter, requiring a lot of energy to digest, leaving little energy for other activities.
Yes, as of recent assessments, koalas are listed as endangered in several Australian states due to habitat destruction, climate change, and disease.
A small, slow-moving, tree-dwelling marsupial native to Australia, with thick grey fur, large ears, and sharp claws, primarily eating eucalyptus leaves.
Coala is usually neutral to formal. widely recognized internationally due to its status as an iconic species. in register.
Coala: in British English it is pronounced /kəʊˈɑːlə/, and in American English it is pronounced /koʊˈɑːlə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms. The animal name itself is used metaphorically, e.g., 'He's clinging like a koala.']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
KOALA: **K**eeps **O**n **A**lways **L**ounging in **A**ustralia.
Conceptual Metaphor
KOALA IS CUTENESS / KOALA IS VULNERABILITY (due to its endangered status and passive nature).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary diet of a koala?