The word 'koala' is originally from Australian aboriginal 'gula'

'Koala' is a word borrowed from Australian aboriginal 'gula'. The word entered the English language some time around 1803.

koala [noun] [1803]

An Australian arboreal marsupial (Phascolarctos cinereus) that has a broad head, large hairy ears, dense gray fur, an...

See 'koala' on the Loan Words Map

See more loan words from Australian aboriginal.

note: The word 'koala' comes from the Dharug 'gula' meaning 'no water'.
Etymology: Dharuk (Australian aboriginal language of the Port Jackson area) 'gula, gulawanʸ'

See more loan words from 1800s.