noun

lemming

lehm-ihng

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Lemming (noun) means a small rodent found in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, known for periodic dramatic population swings. Example: “Lemming populations can boom and then crash within a few years.”

noun

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

"Lemming populations can boom and then crash within a few years."

Someone who blindly follows the crowd, especially into a bad decision.

"Investors piled into the stock like lemmings, ignoring the warning signs."

How to use lemming

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishLiterally an Arctic rodent, but commonly used to describe someone who follows the crowd without thinking.

Common mistake

The 'jumping off cliffs' myth about lemmings isn't true in the literal sense — it comes from a staged nature documentary — but the figurative meaning (blind conformity) is well established in English.

Common pairings

like lemmings follow like lemmings

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: lemmings

Test yourself on “lemming” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ populations can boom and then crash within a few years.

Etymology

From Norwegian and Danish lemming, ultimately from Old Norse. Sense 2 comes from a persistent myth that lemmings mindlessly march off cliffs in large groups — they don't, but the story stuck.

Origin: Old Norse

Synonyms

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sable mouse

Rhymes for lemming

stemming Flemming

See all rhymes for lemming →

Frequently asked questions

What does “lemming” mean?

The word “lemming” means a small rodent found in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, known for periodic dramatic population swings. In plain terms, literally an Arctic rodent, but commonly used to describe someone who follows the crowd without thinking.

How do you pronounce “lemming”?

“Lemming” is pronounced lehm-ihng (/lɛm.ɪŋ/ in IPA).

How do you use “lemming” in a sentence?

Here is “lemming” used in a sentence: “Lemming populations can boom and then crash within a few years.”

What is another word for “lemming”?

Words with a similar meaning to “lemming” include sable mouse.

What part of speech is “lemming”?

“Lemming” is a noun.

Where does the word “lemming” come from?

The word “lemming” comes from Old Norse. From Norwegian and Danish lemming, ultimately from Old Norse. Sense 2 comes from a persistent myth that lemmings mindlessly march off cliffs in large groups — they don't, but the story stuck.

How many meanings does “lemming” have?

“Lemming” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a small rodent found in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions, known for periodic dramatic population swings.

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Vocabulary lists that include lemming:

Words with old Norse origins