Coolibah

/ˈkuːlɪbɑː/ noun

Definition

A eucalyptus tree native to Australia with hanging branches; an alternate spelling of 'coolabah.'

Etymology

From Australian Aboriginal language, variant spelling of 'coolabah.' Different European settlers and writers spelled it differently, leading to multiple accepted variants.

Kelly Says

The coolibah's appearance in 'Waltzing Matilda' created a name recognition that became more iconic than the tree itself—most English speakers know the word from the song without ever seeing the tree.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.