Groundhog: meaning, definitions and examples

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groundhog

 

[ หˆษกraสŠnd.hษ’ษก ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

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:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น marmota

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค—เฅเคฐเคพเค‰เค‚เคกเคนเฅ‰เค—

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Murmeltier

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ marmut

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฑะพะฑะตั€

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ ล›wistak

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ฐใƒฉใ‚ฆใƒณใƒ‰ใƒ›ใƒƒใ‚ฐ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท marmotte

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ marmota

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท sincap

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ทธ๋ผ์šด๋“œํ˜ธ๊ทธ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุบุฑูŠุฑ ุงู„ุฃุฑุถ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ sysel

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ sysel

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅœŸๆ‹จ้ผ 

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ veverica

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ jarรฐgรถnguhundur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะถะตั€ะตะฑะต

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ’แƒ แƒแƒฃแƒœแƒ“แƒฐแƒแƒ’แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ torpaq siรงanฤฑ

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ 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.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,494, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.