noun B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

kangaroo

kang-guh-R

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Kangaroo (noun) means a large Australian marsupial with powerful hind legs built for hopping and a long, thick tail used for balance. Example: “A kangaroo can cover several metres in a single bound.”

noun

A large Australian marsupial with powerful hind legs built for hopping and a long, thick tail used for balance.

"A kangaroo can cover several metres in a single bound."

"Kangaroos are usually most active at dawn and dusk."

A hooded jacket with a large front pouch pocket, similar to a kangaroo’s pouch.

"He pulled on a kangaroo jacket before heading out into the cold."

adj

Describing a court, trial, or process that only pretends to be fair, with the outcome already decided in advance.

"Critics called the tribunal a kangaroo court with no real chance of acquittal."

How to use kangaroo

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe hopping Australian animal, or (in the phrase "kangaroo court") an unfair sham trial.

Common mistake

The famous story that "kangaroo" means "I don’t know" in an Aboriginal language is a myth — it’s the actual name of the animal.

Common pairings

kangaroo court kangaroo jacket a mob of kangaroos

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: kangaroos
Third person singular: kangaroos
Past tense: kangarooed

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

A _____ can cover several metres in a single bound.

Etymology

Borrowed from Guugu Yimithirr (an Aboriginal Australian language) gangurru, the name for a particular grey kangaroo species — despite the popular myth, it does not mean "I don’t know."

Rhymes for kangaroo

oo too moo poo loo foo doo boo woo roo coo goo

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Frequently asked questions

What does “kangaroo” mean?

The word “kangaroo” means a large Australian marsupial with powerful hind legs built for hopping and a long, thick tail used for balance. In plain terms, the hopping Australian animal, or (in the phrase "kangaroo court") an unfair sham trial.

How do you pronounce “kangaroo”?

“Kangaroo” is pronounced kang-guh-R (/ˌkæŋ.ɡəˈɹʉː/ in IPA).

How do you use “kangaroo” in a sentence?

Here is “kangaroo” used in a sentence: “A kangaroo can cover several metres in a single bound.”

What part of speech is “kangaroo”?

Depending on how it is used, “kangaroo” can be a noun and an adjective.

Is “kangaroo” a common word?

“Kangaroo” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

How many meanings does “kangaroo” have?

“Kangaroo” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a large Australian marsupial with powerful hind legs built for hopping and a long, thick tail used for balance.

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