marmot: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1neutral, scientific/zoological
Quick answer
What does “marmot” mean?
A large ground-dwelling rodent of the squirrel family, typically having a short bushy tail, found in mountainous regions of North America and Eurasia, known for hibernating and giving a loud whistling alarm call.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large ground-dwelling rodent of the squirrel family, typically having a short bushy tail, found in mountainous regions of North America and Eurasia, known for hibernating and giving a loud whistling alarm call.
The term can refer specifically to animals in the genus Marmota, which includes several species like the alpine marmot, groundhog (a type of marmot), and hoary marmot. In some contexts, 'marmot' can be used metaphorically to describe someone who hibernates or sleeps excessively.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'marmot' typically refers to European species like the alpine marmot. In American English, the word is less common in everyday speech than 'groundhog' (a type of marmot), except when discussing western species like the yellow-bellied marmot.
Connotations
In both varieties, the word carries neutral or scientific connotations. The cultural symbolism differs: the American groundhog is associated with Groundhog Day folklore, while the alpine marmot in Europe is often associated with mountainous regions and hiking.
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK English due to the presence of alpine marmots in the Alps, which are a common sight for hikers and tourists. Lower frequency in general US English conversation, except in specific regions like the Rocky Mountains where marmots are native.
Grammar
How to Use “marmot” in a Sentence
The marmot [verb, e.g., whistled, hibernated, emerged]A colony of marmotsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “marmot” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No standard verb form. Rarely used as 'to marmot' meaning to hibernate or act like a marmot is non-standard.]
American English
- [See British.]
adverb
British English
- [None]
American English
- [None]
adjective
British English
- [No standard adjective form. 'Marmot-like' is possible.]
American English
- [See British.]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in zoology, biology, ecology, and environmental science papers discussing rodent behavior, hibernation, or mountain ecosystems.
Everyday
Used by hikers, naturalists, and in regions where marmots are native. More common in UK/European everyday speech regarding alpine holidays.
Technical
Used in scientific classification (genus Marmota), wildlife management, and ecological surveys.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “marmot”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “marmot”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “marmot”
- Mispronouncing as /mɑːrˈmoʊt/ (like 'marmalade').
- Confusing 'marmot' with 'meerkat' or 'prairie dog' (different species).
- Using 'marmot' as a general term for any large ground squirrel in regions where 'groundhog' is more specific.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, a groundhog (or woodchuck) is a North American species of marmot (Marmota monax).
Marmots emit a loud, whistling alarm call to warn other members of their colony of potential predators.
Marmots are found in mountainous and grassland areas across the Northern Hemisphere, including the European Alps, the Rocky Mountains, and parts of Asia.
Depending on the species and climate, marmots can hibernate for up to 8 months of the year, surviving on stored body fat.
A large ground-dwelling rodent of the squirrel family, typically having a short bushy tail, found in mountainous regions of North America and Eurasia, known for hibernating and giving a loud whistling alarm call.
Marmot is usually neutral, scientific/zoological in register.
Marmot: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɑː.mət/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɑːr.mət/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms directly with 'marmot'. Related: 'Groundhog Day'—referring to a tedious, repetitive situation.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a MARMalade-coloured rOTund creature sunbathing on a rock. MARM + OT = marmot.
Conceptual Metaphor
A 'marmot' can metaphorically represent hibernation, reclusiveness, or providing a warning signal (from its whistling call).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a specific type of marmot in North America?