Australian

[aw-streyl-yuhn]

adjective

1. of or relating to Australia, its inhabitants, or their languages.

2. Zoogeography.,  belonging to a geographical division comprising Australia, New Zealand, Tasmania, Sulawesi, the Moluccas, Papua New Guinea, and adjacent smaller islands.

3. Phytogeography.,  belonging or pertaining to a geographical division comprising Australia and Tasmania.

noun

1. a native or inhabitant of Australia.

2. an Aboriginal inhabitant of Australia.

3. Also called Australian Aboriginal languages. the group of languages of the Aborigines of Australia, consisting of about three hundred languages. Austral, Austral.

Other Word Forms

• anti-Australian adjective
• pro-Australian adjective
• pseudo-Australian adjective
• trans-Australian adjective
• un-Australian adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Australian¹

First recorded in 1690–70 Australian for def. 5; Australi(a) + -an

Example Sentences

A British man has drowned after his surfboard snapped during wild weather in the Australian state of Victoria while the friend who tried to save him also died.

Read more on BBC

The identity of a key person of interest in the disappearance of a British girl more than 50 years ago has been revealed by an Australian politician.

Read more on BBC

The U.S. and Australian governments on Monday announced several joint rare-earth investments.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Amy Jones and Tammy Beaumont dominated the first eight overs, cashing in as the Australian seamers bowled too wide and lacked control.

Read more on BBC

England had their moments, notably the positive start from openers Tammy Beaumont and Amy Jones as they punished an uncharacteristically sloppy start from the Australian bowlers, adding 55 in eight overs.

Read more on BBC