joey

[ joh-ee ]

/ ˈdʒoʊ i /

Save This Word!

noun, plural jo·eys.Australian.

any young animal, especially a kangaroo.

a young child.

QUIZ

WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?

Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!

Question 1 of 7

Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.

who

whom

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of joey

First recorded in 1830–40; origin uncertain

Words nearby joey

joe-pye weed, joes, Joe Sixpack, Joe Soap, Jo. Evang., joey, joey glass, Joey Hooker, Joffre, Joffrey, jog

Other definitions for joey (2 of 4)

joey²

[ joh-ee ]

/ ˈdʒoʊ i /

noun, plural jo·eys.British Slang.

a threepenny piece.

(formerly) a fourpenny piece.

Origin of joey

First recorded in 1860–65; named after Joseph Hume (1777–1855), English politician who favored the coinage of the fourpenny piece

Other definitions for joey (3 of 4)

Joey¹

[ joh-ee ]

/ ˈdʒoʊ i /

noun, plural Jo·eys.

a clown, especially in the circus or pantomime and puppet theater.

Origin of Joey

1895–1900; diminutive of Joseph, after Joseph Grimaldi

Other definitions for joey (4 of 4)

Joey²

[ joh-ee ]

/ ˈdʒoʊ i /

noun

a male given name, form of Joe or Joseph.

How to use joey in a sentence

During his time at JR’s, Joey made amazingly strong connections with everyone he met.
Beloved 17th Street bartender Joey Phalin dies at 43|Lou Chibbaro Jr.|September 14, 2022|Washington Blade
After dozens of appearances on Bob Hope specials in the ’80s, it would take a 1996 guest role on “Friends,” in which she played Joey’s unhinged stalker, for the world to catch up and for NBC to offer her the sitcom “Suddenly Susan.”
Brooke Shields is just getting started|Ashley Spencer|November 5, 2021|Washington Post
His first two NCAA tournament games, both losses, came when he was at Marquette with his brother, Joey.
No new positive coronavirus tests for Virginia as it waits for NCAA tournament clearance|Gene Wang|March 18, 2021|Washington Post
Sam Hauser plays for Virginia and younger brother Joey for the Spartans.
Virginia men’s basketball, Michigan State lined up for ACC/Big Ten Challenge|Gene Wang|October 29, 2020|Washington Post

In doing so, the vice president delighted the audience with a personal anecdote from his childhood as Joey Biden.
Joe Biden: ‘I’ll Kill Your Son’|Olivia Nuzzi|December 12, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Sensing his opportunity, Joey Biden pounced: “I walked up behind him and smashed his head next to the counter.”
Joe Biden: ‘I’ll Kill Your Son’|Olivia Nuzzi|December 12, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The Wireless Joey will help you watch more shows on more screens.
New Innovations Let You Watch TV Anywhere You Go||December 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Just download the Virtual Joey App and you are ready to stream DISH service right to that screen.
New Innovations Let You Watch TV Anywhere You Go||December 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Speaking of Grandma, The Wireless Joey is so simple she can install it herself.
New Innovations Let You Watch TV Anywhere You Go||December 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Joey was puny and hairless as ever, but in Rose's face as she looked at him there was a flush of maternal tenderness and gravity.
The Creators|May Sinclair
Her other hand restrained with a soft caressing movement Joey's approaches to the saucer.
The Creators|May Sinclair
Now one, for instance, who bears no resemblance to his master is Joey, the coachman of Dr. Jenkins.
The Nabob|Alphonse Daudet
She rebuked the importunities of Joey in asides so tender that they couldn't have irritated anybody.
The Creators|May Sinclair
"Jamie was richt like Joey when he was a bairn," Hendry said.
A Window in Thrums|J. M. Barrie

British Dictionary definitions for joey

joey

/ (ˈdʒəʊɪ) /

noun Australian informal

a young kangaroo or possum

a young animal or child

Word Origin for joey

C19: from a native Australian language

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012