gopher
Gopher (noun) means a small burrowing rodent native to North America, known for digging extensive tunnel systems. Example: “The gopher tunneled straight under the vegetable patch.”
How to use gopher
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither the burrowing rodent, or (informally) someone sent to 'go for' things — fetch and carry — for other people.
The 'errand runner' sense is a pun on 'go for' and is unrelated to the animal's actual etymology.
Word forms
gophers plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ tunneled straight under the vegetable patch.
Etymology
Possibly from Cajun French gaufre ("honeycomb, waffle"), the idea being that a gopher's network of burrows looks like the holes in a honeycomb or waffle.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for gopher
See all rhymes for gopher →Frequently asked questions
What does “gopher” mean?
The word “gopher” means a small burrowing rodent native to North America, known for digging extensive tunnel systems. In plain terms, either the burrowing rodent, or (informally) someone sent to 'go for' things — fetch and carry — for other people.
How do you pronounce “gopher”?
“Gopher” is pronounced GOH-fuh (/ˈɡoʊfɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “gopher” in a sentence?
Here is “gopher” used in a sentence: “The gopher tunneled straight under the vegetable patch.”
What part of speech is “gopher”?
“Gopher” is a noun.
Where does the word “gopher” come from?
The word “gopher” comes from French. Possibly from Cajun French gaufre ("honeycomb, waffle"), the idea being that a gopher's network of burrows looks like the holes in a honeycomb or waffle.
How many meanings does “gopher” have?
“Gopher” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small burrowing rodent native to North America, known for digging extensive tunnel systems.