noun
marmot
MAR-mut
Marmot (noun) means a large rodent of the squirrel family that lives on the ground, of which there are several kinds. Example: “A marmot whistled from a rock as we walked across the hillside.”
noun
1
A large rodent of the squirrel family that lives on the ground, of which there are several kinds.
"A marmot whistled from a rock as we walked across the hillside."
"The marmots stood watching us from beside their burrows."
"We saw a marmot sunning itself near the path."
How to use marmot
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA big, burrowing, ground-living rodent from the squirrel family.
When to use it
It is an everyday word for an animal, used in general and nature writing.
Common pairings
a marmot burrow
alpine marmot
a family of marmots
spot a marmot
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A _____ whistled from a rock as we walked across the hillside.
Etymology
The word came into English from Middle French marmotte, which came from Old French. Its earlier origin is uncertain, but it may be an imitative word linked to a base meaning to mumble or murmur.
Frequently asked questions
What is a marmot?
A marmot is a large ground-dwelling rodent in the squirrel family.
Is a groundhog a marmot?
Yes. The groundhog, also called the woodchuck, is one kind of marmot.
Where does the word marmot come from?
It comes from Middle French marmotte. The deeper origin is uncertain.
What is the meaning of marmot?
"marmot" (noun) means a large rodent of the squirrel family that lives on the ground, of which there are several kinds.
