bandicoot

[ ban-di-koot ]

noun

1. any of several large East Indian rats of the genus Nesokia.
2. any of several insectivorous and herbivorous marsupials of the family Peramelidae, of Australia and New Guinea: some are endangered.

bandicoot

/ ˈbændɪˌkuːt /

noun

1. any agile terrestrial marsupial of the family Peramelidae of Australia and New Guinea. They have a long pointed muzzle and a long tail and feed mainly on small invertebrates
2. bandicoot rat
   bandicoot ratmole rat any of three burrowing rats of the genera Bandicota and Nesokia , of S and SE Asia: family Muridae

Word History and Origins

Origin of bandicoot¹

First recorded in 1780–90, bandicoot is from the Telugu word pandi-kokku pig-rat

Word History and Origins

Origin of bandicoot¹

C18: from Telugu pandikokku , from pandi pig + kokku bandicoot

Example Sentences

That red-headed bandicoot of a Chub has got into a habit o' playin' football with me an' usin' me fer the ball.

From Project Gutenberg

To all the early settlers in the bush the bandicoot is well known.

From Project Gutenberg

When assailed it grunts like a pig, hence its Telegu name Pandi-koku, from which the word bandicoot is derived.

From Project Gutenberg

I turned toward the hut suspiciously, and saw the bandicoot sitting on a top-rail, watching me, and dangling her feet to and fro.

From Project Gutenberg

There was a strange man approaching rapidly, and the bandicoot's courage collapsed.

From Project Gutenberg