# kangaroos

/ˌkæŋɡɝˈuz/ (US) · /kˈæŋɡɐɹˌuːz/ (UK) · CEFR A2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/kangaroos
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

large Australian animals that move by hopping on their strong back legs. They have long tails for balance and mothers carry their babies in a pocket on their stomach.

For teachers: large marsupials native to Australia, belonging to the family Macropodidae. Characterised by powerful hind legs, a long muscular tail, and a pouch in which females carry their young.

## Examples

- Kangaroos hop across the grassy plains of Australia.
- During our trip to the outback, we saw several kangaroos grazing near the waterhole at dusk.
- The unique locomotion of kangaroos allows them to cover vast distances efficiently, as their tendons act like springs to store and release energy with every hop.

## Usage notes

- The plural form of 'kangaroo'.

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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.