Bilby Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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bilby
[ˈbɪlbi ]
Definition
Context #1 | Noun
Australian animal
A bilby is a small, nocturnal marsupial native to Australia. It has long ears, powerful forelimbs, and a long, bushy tail. Bilbies are known for their excellent digging abilities and are important in Aboriginal culture.
Examples of usage
- The bilby is an endangered species due to habitat loss and competition from introduced species.
- Bilbies are often referred to as rabbit-eared bandicoots.
Translations
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Origin of 'bilby'
The word 'bilby' is believed to have originated from the Yuwaalaraay Aboriginal language of northern New South Wales, Australia. It is thought to be a corruption of the word 'bilba', which means long-nosed rat. Bilbies have been an important part of Australian culture and are often associated with conservation efforts due to their endangered status.