joey
Joey (noun) means a baby kangaroo or similar marsupial. Example: “The joey peeked out of its mother's pouch.”
How to Use Joey
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMost familiar as the word for a baby kangaroo; also an old term for a circus clown.
Word Forms
joeys plural, joeys plural, joeys plural, joeys plural
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ peeked out of its mother's pouch.
Etymology
The clown sense is named after Joseph Grimaldi (1778-1837), the celebrated English clown; the kangaroo sense likely comes from an Australian Aboriginal word.
Rhymes for joey
See all rhymes for joey →Frequently Asked Questions
What does “joey” mean?
The word “joey” means a baby kangaroo or similar marsupial. In plain terms, most familiar as the word for a baby kangaroo; also an old term for a circus clown.
How do you pronounce “joey”?
“Joey” is pronounced JOH-ee (/ˈd͡ʒoʊ.i/ in IPA).
How do you use “joey” in a sentence?
Here is “joey” used in a sentence: “The joey peeked out of its mother's pouch.”
What part of speech is “joey”?
“Joey” is a noun.
Where does the word “joey” come from?
The word “joey” dates back to around 1778. The clown sense is named after Joseph Grimaldi (1778-1837), the celebrated English clown; the kangaroo sense likely comes from an Australian Aboriginal word.
Is “joey” a common word?
“Joey” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “joey” have?
“Joey” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a baby kangaroo or similar marsupial.
Which baby animals are called joeys?
A joey is the young of a kangaroo, and the term is also used for the babies of other marsupials such as wallabies, koalas, wombats, and possums.
What is the difference between a joey and a cub?
A joey is a young marsupial, typically carried and nursed in its mother's pouch. A cub is the young of animals such as bears, lions, and foxes. The two words are not interchangeable.
Does a joey live in its mother's pouch?
Yes. A young kangaroo, or joey, spends the early part of its life developing inside its mother's pouch before it begins to venture out.
Is a circus clown ever called a joey?
Yes. In British circus tradition, 'joey' is an old word for a clown. This meaning is separate from the more common sense of a baby marsupial.
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