bunyip

[ buhn-yip ]

noun

1. a mythical creature of Aboriginal legend said to inhabit water and watercourses.
2. an impostor.

adjective

1. counterfeit; phony.

bunyip

/ ˈbʌnjɪp /

noun

1. a legendary monster said to inhabit swamps and lagoons of the Australian interior

Word History and Origins

Origin of bunyip¹

First recorded in 1840–50; from Wergaia (an Australian Aboriginal language of the Wimmera area, Victoria) banib

Word History and Origins

Origin of bunyip¹

C19: from a native Australian language

Example Sentences

“It is reckoned the residence of the water-cow,” a monster like the Australian bunyip.

From Project Gutenberg

“Dat big bunyip beat um gin,” whispered Jimmy, with a curious awe-stricken look in his countenance.

From Project Gutenberg

“Take away bunyip dog; take um way or Jimmy killum,” cried the black.

From Project Gutenberg

“Dat big bunyip,” said a voice that made us start, for Jimmy had come up from the dark camp unperceived.

From Project Gutenberg

“Big water bunyip glad get black fellow,” he said, as loudly as he could, and with a scornful look at us.

From Project Gutenberg