badger
5 synonyms and 0 antonyms for badger, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A burrowing, mostly nocturnal mammal known for its black-and-white striped face and stocky build.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use badger
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
The verb comes from the noun (via a Middle English word meaning "marked by a badge," referring to the animal's badge-like facial marking), later extended to describe the persistent, nagging behavior once associated with badger-baiting.
Full origin of badger →Frequently asked questions
What does “badger” mean?
The word “badger” means a burrowing, mostly nocturnal mammal known for its black-and-white striped face and stocky build. In plain terms, either the striped burrowing animal, or (as a verb) to nag someone relentlessly until they cave.
How do you pronounce “badger”?
“Badger” is pronounced BAD-zhuh (/ˈbæd͡ʒɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “badger” in a sentence?
Here is “badger” used in a sentence: “A badger dug a burrow at the edge of the woods.”
What part of speech is “badger”?
Depending on how it is used, “badger” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “badger” come from?
The word “badger” comes from Middle English.
Is “badger” a common word?
“Badger” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “badger” have?
“Badger” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a burrowing, mostly nocturnal mammal known for its black-and-white striped face and stocky build.