billabong

From Wiradhuri bilabang, likely a compound from Wiradhuri bila (“river”) and Wiradhuri bong or Wiradhuri bung (“dead”).

• IPA^(key): /ˈbɪləbɒŋ/

• Audio (AU)

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billabong (plural billabongs)

1. (Australia) An anabranch, backwater or oxbow lake that is temporarily cut off from the main river, especially one that is only filled with water during the rainy season and can sometimes dry up completely.
   • 1895, Banjo Paterson (lyrics), “Waltzing Matilda”‎:

     Oh there once was a swagman camped in the billabong,
     Under the shade of a coolibah tree,
     And he sang as he looked at the old billy boiling,
     'Who'll come a'waltzing Matilda, with me.'