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Chipmunks Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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chipmunks

[ˈtʃɪpmʌŋks ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

small animals

Chipmunks are small, striped rodents belonging to the Sciuridae family. They are known for their distinctive stripes and bushy tails. Chipmunks are typically found in North America and Asia, where they inhabit forests, gardens, and parks.

Synonyms

ground squirrel, striped squirrel, tree squirrel.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
chipmunks

Commonly referred to small, burrowing rodents with characteristic stripes on their backs. They are often found in North America and are known for their cheek pouches used to store food. Suitable for general reference when talking about these animals in a casual or scientific sense.

  • The children were excited to see the chipmunks gathering nuts in the park.
  • Chipmunks can store a lot of food in their cheek pouches.
ground squirrel

Best used for referring explicitly to squirrels that live primarily on or in the ground, unlike their tree-dwelling counterparts. Often associated with species found in prairies and grasslands, and sometimes seen as pests in farming areas.

  • Farmers often have to deal with ground squirrels digging burrows in their fields.
  • Ground squirrels are known to live in colonies and can be quite social.
striped squirrel

This term is less common but specifically indicates a type of squirrel with visible stripes on its body. Can be used for any striped rodent but is less precise than 'chipmunks' or 'ground squirrel'.

  • The striped squirrel dashed quickly across the forest floor.
  • I managed to take a photo of a striped squirrel near our campsite.
tree squirrel

Refers specifically to those species of squirrels that mainly inhabit trees. These are the typical bushy-tailed squirrels commonly seen leaping from branch to branch in parks and forests.

  • Tree squirrels are fascinating to watch as they build their nests high in the trees.
  • The tree squirrel quickly climbed up the oak tree when it sensed danger.

Examples of usage

  • They scurried around the garden, collecting nuts and seeds.
  • The chipmunk's cheeks were bulging with food as it prepared for winter.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Habitat

  • Chipmunks primarily live in North America, preferring wooded areas, gardens, and parks.
  • They build elaborate burrow systems underground, where they store food and find shelter from predators.

Diet

  • These animals are omnivores, feeding on nuts, seeds, fruits, and even insects.
  • They have cheek pouches that can hold food, enabling them to carry away snacks for later.

Behavior

  • Chipmunks are known for their playful antics and can often be seen darting around in search of food.
  • During winter, they enter a state of torpor, which is a lighter form of hibernation, and occasionally wake to eat stored food.

Pop Culture

  • Chipmunks have been popularized in media, especially through 'Alvin and the Chipmunks,' a fictional band of singing chipmunks.
  • Their high-pitched voices and mischievous personalities make them beloved characters in films and television.

Origin of 'chipmunks'

Main points about word origin

  • The name 'chipmunk' comes from an Ojibwe word, 'ajiijak,' meaning 'one who descends trees headlong.'
  • The word was first recorded in English in the early 19th century, reflecting its North American origins.

The word 'chipmunk' originated from the Ojibwe word 'ajidamoo', which means 'one who descends trees headlong'. Chipmunks have been a part of North American folklore for centuries, often depicted as mischievous and clever creatures. They are popular characters in children's books and cartoons, symbolizing curiosity and resourcefulness.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,058 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.