Groundhog: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฟ๏ธ
groundhog
[ หษกraสnd.hษษก ]
animal behavior
A groundhog, also known as a woodchuck or whistle pig, is a large rodent belonging to the family Sciuridae. Groundhogs are primarily found in North America, where they inhabit meadows, woods, and fields. They are best known for their burrowing habits and are often associated with the folklore of Groundhog Day. Groundhogs hibernate in winter and emerge in spring, having significant cultural relevance in predicting the length of winter based on their shadow.
Synonyms
marmot, whistle pig, woodchuck
Examples of usage
- The groundhog saw its shadow, predicting six more weeks of winter.
- Groundhogs are known for their impressive burrowing skills.
- Many people celebrate Groundhog Day in February.
- The groundhog is a common sight in rural areas.
Translations
Translations of the word "groundhog" in other languages:
๐ต๐น marmota
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเฅเคฐเคพเคเคเคกเคนเฅเค
๐ฉ๐ช Murmeltier
๐ฎ๐ฉ marmut
๐บ๐ฆ ะฑะพะฑะตั
๐ต๐ฑ ลwistak
๐ฏ๐ต ใฐใฉใฆใณใใใใฐ
๐ซ๐ท marmotte
๐ช๐ธ marmota
๐น๐ท sincap
๐ฐ๐ท ๊ทธ๋ผ์ด๋ํธ๊ทธ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุบุฑูุฑ ุงูุฃุฑุถ
๐จ๐ฟ sysel
๐ธ๐ฐ sysel
๐จ๐ณ ๅๆจ้ผ
๐ธ๐ฎ veverica
๐ฎ๐ธ jarรฐgรถnguhundur
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะถะตัะตะฑะต
๐ฌ๐ช แแ แแฃแแแฐแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ torpaq siรงanฤฑ
๐ฒ๐ฝ marmota
Etymology
The term 'groundhog' originates from the early 17th century, derived from the words 'ground' and 'hog.' The word 'hog' itself can refer to any hog-like animal, which in this context refers specifically to the burrowing nature of the groundhog. Its name likely arose because it is frequently found burrowing underground in fields and meadows. In addition to its name, the groundhog has cultural significance, particularly in North America, where it has become a central figure in the celebration of Groundhog Day. This holiday is based on an old European tradition, with the groundhog said to predict the weather. The practice reflects the connection between nature and human culture, as communities looked to the animal for signs of seasonal change.