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Wombat Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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wombat

[ˈwʊm.bæt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

animal type

A wombat is a burrowing herbivorous marsupial native to Australia, known for its compact body, short legs, and strong claws. Wombats are most active at night and spend most of their time underground in burrows. They have a distinctive gait and a characteristic cube-shaped feces.

Synonyms

burrowing animal, marsupial.

Examples of usage

  • Wombats are nocturnal creatures.
  • The wombat dug a deep burrow.
  • In the wild, wombats primarily feed on grass.
  • Wombats can weigh up to 35 kilograms.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'wombat'

The word 'wombat' comes from the Dharug language, an Aboriginal language of the Sydney area. The Dharug term 'wombat' reflects the Native Australians' observation and interaction with this unique animal. The scientific name for the wombat, 'Vombatus', is derived from the Latin word 'vombare', which means 'to devour', capturing the animal's herbivorous habits. Wombats have been part of the Australian fauna for thousands of years, and Indigenous Australian cultures have rich stories and significance tied to them. In the 19th century, the name 'wombat' was adopted in English to refer to this marsupial, emphasizing its distinct features and behaviors as it became better known among settlers and the scientific community.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,297, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.