lemming — meaning in English

English meaning

• lemming noun A small rodent found in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, known for periodic dramatic population swings.

Senses

lemming is used for these senses in English:

• lemming A small arctic and subarctic rodent of the tribes Lemmini, Dicrostonychini and Lagurini.
• lemming (figuratively) Any member of a group given to conformity or groupthink, especially a group poised to follow a leader off a cliff.

lemming — full definition

1. noun A small rodent found in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, known for periodic dramatic population swings.
2. noun Someone who blindly follows the crowd, especially into a bad decision.

Related French words