marsupial

1 of 2

noun

mar·​su·​pi·​al mär-ˈsü-pē-əl How to pronounce marsupial (audio)
: any of an order (Marsupialia) of mammals comprising kangaroos, wombats, bandicoots, opossums, and related animals that do not develop a true placenta and that usually have a pouch on the abdomen of the female which covers the teats and serves to carry the young

marsupial

2 of 2

adjective

1
: of, relating to, or being a marsupial
2
: of, relating to, or forming a marsupium

Examples of marsupial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The real heroes are the townspeople, who never stopped searching for the marsupial on the run. — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 14 Apr. 2026 But the latest research shows that even moderate heat can threaten the survival of the marsupial, the researchers said. — Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 26 May 2026
Adjective
The common brushtail possum is one of the most widespread marsupial species in Australia. — Saleen Martin, USA Today, 23 Mar. 2026 Kenny, who with his marsupial mate has the run of Marland's house, was happy to be reunited with Chesney. — CBS News, 30 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for marsupial

Word History

Etymology

Noun

from the base of New Latin Marsupialia, order name, from neuter plural of marsūpiālis "of a pouch," from marsūpium "pouch, marsupium" + -ālis -al entry 1

Adjective

borrowed from New Latin marsūpiālis — more at marsupial entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1805, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1819, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of marsupial was in 1805

Browse Nearby Words

Marston Moor
marsupial
marsupial anteater
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Marsupial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/marsupial. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

marsupial

1 of 2 adjective
mar·​su·​pi·​al mär-ˈsü-pē-əl How to pronounce marsupial (audio)
: of, relating to, or being a marsupial

marsupial

2 of 2 noun
: any of an order of mammals (as kangaroos and opossums) that have a pouch on the abdomen of the female containing the teats and serving to carry the young

More from Merriam-Webster on marsupial

Nglish: Translation of marsupial for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about marsupial

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