noun

badger

BAD-zhuh

noun

A burrowing, mostly nocturnal mammal known for its black-and-white striped face and stocky build.

"A badger dug a burrow at the edge of the woods."

verb

To repeatedly pester or nag someone until they give in or respond.

"The kids kept badgering their parents for a dog."

"Reporters badgered the mayor with questions about the scandal."

How to Use Badger

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither the striped burrowing animal, or (as a verb) to nag someone relentlessly until they cave.

Common pairings

badger someone into badger for an answer

Word Forms

badgered past tense, badgers plural, badgers plural, Badgers plural, Badgers plural, badgers singular

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

A _____ dug a burrow at the edge of the woods.

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.