Bilbies – Definition & Meaning

Bilbies are small, nocturnal marsupials native to Australia. They are known for their long ears, pointed snouts, and distinctive banding on their fur. Bilbies are also an important part of Australian culture and mythology. In this article, we will explore the definition, meaning, and associations of bilbies.

Definitions

A bilby is a small, burrowing marsupial with long ears, a pointed snout, and distinctive banding on its fur. It is also known as a rabbit-eared bandicoot or a dalgyte. Bilbies are found in arid and semi-arid regions of Australia, and are known for their ability to survive in harsh environments.

Origin

The word “bilby” is believed to have originated from the Yuwaalaraay language of the Gamilaraay people, who are indigenous to the area of New South Wales in Australia. The word “bilby” is thought to mean “long-nosed rat”. Bilbies have been an important part of Aboriginal culture for thousands of years, and are often depicted in traditional art and stories.

Meaning in different dictionaries

In the Oxford English Dictionary, a bilby is defined as “a small, burrowing marsupial of arid regions of Australia, with long ears and a pointed snout”. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines a bilby as “a small nocturnal burrowing bandicoot of arid regions of Australia that has long ears and a long snout”.

Associations

Bilbies are often associated with Easter in Australia, and are sometimes used as an alternative to the Easter Bunny. This is because bilbies are native to Australia, whereas rabbits are an introduced species that have caused significant damage to the Australian ecosystem. Bilbies are also associated with conservation efforts, as they are considered a vulnerable species due to habitat loss and predation by introduced species.

Synonyms

Some synonyms for bilbies include rabbit-eared bandicoot, dalgyte, and macrotis.

Antonyms

As bilbies are a specific species, there are no antonyms for this term.

The same root words

As bilbies are a specific species, there are no other words with the same root.

Example Sentences

1. The bilby is a small, nocturnal marsupial native to Australia.
2. Bilbies are an important part of Aboriginal culture and mythology.
3. The bilby is a vulnerable species due to habitat loss and predation by introduced species.
4. Some people in Australia use bilbies as an alternative to the Easter Bunny.
5. Bilbies are known for their long ears, pointed snouts, and distinctive banding on their fur.