joey

noun

jo·​ey ˈjō-ē How to pronounce joey (audio)
Australia
: a baby animal
especially : a baby kangaroo

Examples of joey 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.
Baby koalas, known as joeys, can also catch chlamydia by eating pap, a substance produced by a mother that's similar to feces, if their mother is infected. Chandelis Duster, NPR, 14 Sep. 2025 In addition, baby koalas — known as joeys — can catch the disease from their mothers. Amy Woodyatt, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 2025 Baby koalas, or joeys, can also catch the disease by feeding in their mother’s pouch. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 10 Sep. 2025 Removing a joey from their mother is extremely distressing and any separation is harmful. Rebecca Schneid, TIME, 13 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for joey

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1839, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of joey was in 1839

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Cite this Entry

“Joey.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/joey. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

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