First Known Use: 1834
Dictionary
kookaburra
noun kook·a·bur·ra \ˈku̇-kə-ˌbər-ə, -ˌbə-rə\
: a large Australian bird whose call is like loud laughter
Full Definition of KOOKABURRA
: a brownish kingfisher (Dacelo novaeguineae syn. D. gigas) of Australia that is about the size of a crow and has a call resembling loud laughter —called also laughing jackass
See kookaburra defined for English-language learners
See kookaburra defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of KOOKABURRA
Wiradhuri (Australian aboriginal language of central New South Wales) gugubarra
Rhymes with KOOKABURRA
KOOKABURRA Defined for Kids
kookaburra
noun kook·a·bur·ra \ˈku̇-kə-ˌbər-ə\
Definition of KOOKABURRA for Kids
: an Australian bird that has a call resembling loud laughter
Learn More About KOOKABURRA
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up kookaburra? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).