noun
Uncommon
badger
BAD-zhuh
Badger (noun) means a burrowing, mostly nocturnal mammal known for its black-and-white striped face and stocky build. Example: “A badger dug a burrow at the edge of the woods.”
noun
1
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
1
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 notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- badgers
- Third person singular
- badgers
- Past tense
- badgered
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.
Synonyms
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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.
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