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DictionarykangarooHopping marsupial
noun

kangaroo

kang-guh-ROO/ˌkæŋɡəˈruː/

A large Australian marsupial that hops on powerful hind legs.

The kangaroo hops on powerful hind legs with its tail extended.

A single adult kangaroo shown in side view mid-hop, with powerful elongated hind legs, small forearms, upright ears and a long balancing tail clearly visible.
Etymology
kangarooGuugu Yimidhirrlarge black kangaroo

The word probably comes from Guugu Yimidhirr gaNurru, “large black kangaroo.” A name for that particular kind of kangaroo became the broader English animal name.

In context

Animal Planet17:22
The kangaroo is actually a macropod. That means they carry their baby around in a pouch.
Robert Irwin Continues His Father's Legacy | Crikey! It's the Irwins | Animal Planet

More examples

  • Several kangaroos crossed the grassland.
  • A young kangaroo stayed near its mother.
  • The kangaroo paused beside the water.

Forms

kangaroo · kangaroos

Similar words

wallaby
Usually a smaller related hopping marsupial.
koala
A different Australian marsupial that climbs rather than hops.