kookaburra

noun

kook·​a·​bur·​ra ˈku̇-kə-ˌbər-ə How to pronounce kookaburra (audio)
-ˌbə-rə
: a brownish kingfisher (Dacelo novaeguineae synonym D. gigas) of Australia that is about the size of a crow and has a call resembling loud laughter

called also laughing jackass

Examples of kookaburra 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.
On their adventures, the Heeler family often encounters other common Australian wildlife, too, including fruit bats, brolgas, lizards and kookaburras. — Liz Regalia, Parents, 14 Feb. 2025 Dramatic hills are thickly coated with giant eucalyptus and native she-oak; wild lavender shelters native wildlife like musical magpies and cackling kookaburras. — Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Wiradhuri (Australian aboriginal language of central New South Wales) gugubarra

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of kookaburra was in 1834

Rhymes for kookaburra

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kookaburra
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Cite this Entry

“Kookaburra.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kookaburra. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

kookaburra

noun
kook·​a·​bur·​ra ˈku̇k-ə-ˌbər-ə How to pronounce kookaburra (audio)
ˈkük-,
-ˌbə-rə
: an Australian kingfisher that is about the size of a crow and has a call resembling loud laughter

More from Merriam-Webster on kookaburra

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about kookaburra

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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