# Joey

/ˈdʒoʊi/ (US) · /dʒˈəʊi/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/joey
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a young kangaroo or other animal that lives in its mother's pouch. You use this word mostly when talking about Australian wildlife.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- 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.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in Australian English; when used as a proper noun, it is a familiar diminutive of the name Joseph.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.