What does "joey" mean?
The immature young of a marsupial, notably a junior kangaroo, but also a young wallaby, koala, etc.
Joey
/ˈd͡ʒoʊ.i/ name, noun, slang
name, noun, slang ·Moderate ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The immature young of a marsupial, notably a junior kangaroo, but also a young wallaby, koala, etc.
- Grammar: joey is listed as name, noun, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: baby marsupial, joe, joseph, pouch young.
- Useful contrasts: adult marsupial.
- Usage evidence: Joey considers Shane as equal as Joe.
How to use "joey"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "joey" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "joey" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "joey" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "joey" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "joey" is acting as name, noun, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "baby marsupial" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "joey", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The immature young of a marsupial, notably a junior kangaroo, but also a young wallaby, koala, etc.
"As soon as a joey is born, it crawls into its mother's pouch. The joey grows in the pouch."
- 2 A kind of clown.
- 3 A member of the Royal Marines. UK, slang
- 4 A person with cerebral palsy. dated, derogatory, offensive, slang
- 5 A fourpenny piece, or its value; fourpence worth. UK, obsolete, slang
"a joey of brandy"
Show 4 more definitions
- 6 A young child. Australia, slang
- 7 A stupid person. dated, derogatory, offensive, slang
- 8 Ellipsis of joey word. abbreviation, alt-of, ellipsis
"Among the kangaroo words that yield the most joviality and joy are those that conceal multiple joeys."
- 9 A parcel smuggled in to an inmate. Ireland, UK, slang
""Visit in two days though," said Tommo. "Hang in there mate, got a joey coming, we'll be sweet then.""
Proper Noun
- 1 A diminutive of the male given names Joe or Joseph.
"Indeed what do the tensomethings, who might be watching the show at that hour, make of jokes like Joey telling Chandler that his uncle Sal has a really big tongue."
- 2 A diminutive of the female given name Josephine.
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
adult marsupial
Example
"Joey considers Shane as equal as Joe."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "joey"?
Common synonyms include: baby marsupial, joe, joseph, pouch young, young marsupial.
How do you use "joey" in a sentence?
Joey considers Shane as equal as Joe.
How do you pronounce "joey"?
Pronounced /ˈd͡ʒoʊ.i/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
Unknown. Older and more general sources state that joey comes from an Australian Aboriginal language (cited as joè), but newer sources that focus on Australian English and Aboriginal languages say the origin is unknown. The Australian National Dictionary includes a sense of “young possum” with citations predating the earliest “young kangaroo” citations.
Etymology 2
From Joseph Grimaldi (1778–1837), a popular English entertainer.
Etymology 3
From British TV personality Joey Deacon (1920–1981), who was the focus of Blue Peter's 1981 charity campaign. The programme was aimed at children, who then picked the term up and used it as an insult.
Etymology 4
Said to have been named after Scottish politician Joseph Hume (1777–1855).
Etymology 5
From Joe + -y.