joey
n. countable C2 Proficiency US //ˈdʒoʊi// UK //dʒˈəʊi// joey
n. a young kangaroo or other animal that lives in its mother's pouch. You use this word mostly when talking about Australian wildlife.
n. the young of a marsupial, especially a kangaroo, wallaby, or possum. It remains in the mother's pouch until it is sufficiently developed to survive outside.
The joey peeked out from its mother's pouch.
Wildlife rescuers found a joey unharmed in the pouch of a kangaroo that had been hit by a car.
Marsupial reproduction is unique because the joey is born in an almost embryonic state, after which it must crawl unaided to the pouch to continue its development.
From Joe + -y.
Usage
Commonly used in Australian English; when used as a proper noun, it is a familiar diminutive of the name Joseph.