wallaby vs. kangaroo

wallaby vs. kangaroo: What’s the difference?

A kangaroo is a type of marsupial known as a powerful leaper with large hind legs and a long, thick tail. There are many different species of kangaroos that vary in size. A wallaby is a small to medium-sized kangaroo. The smallest wallabies are the size of rabbits. The word kangaroo is usually used for larger members of the family.

wallaby

[wol-uh-bee] / ˈwɒl ə bi /

noun

plural

wallabies,

plural

wallaby

any of various small and medium-sized kangaroos of the genera Macropus, Thylogale, Petrogale, etc., some of which are no larger than rabbits: several species are endangered.

kangaroo

[kang-guh-roo] / ˌkæŋ gəˈru /

noun

plural

kangaroos,

plural

kangaroo

any herbivorous marsupial of the family Macropodidae, of Australia and adjacent islands, having a small head, short forelimbs, powerful hind legs used for leaping, and a long, thick tail: several species are threatened or endangered.