possum: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, regional (Australian/NZ and Southern US)
Quick answer
What does “possum” mean?
A nocturnal, tree-dwelling marsupial native to Australasia and the Americas.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A nocturnal, tree-dwelling marsupial native to Australasia and the Americas; most commonly refers to species in Australia/New Guinea or the North American opossum.
Informally refers to the act of pretending to be dead or unconscious (to 'play possum'); can be used as a verb.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'possum' is rarely used except in references to Australian wildlife or the idiom. In American English, it's a common informal term for the Virginia opossum, prevalent in Southern and rural dialects. In Australian/NZ English, it's the standard term for native species.
Connotations
In AU/NZ: often a garden pest but also a native animal. In US: associated with rural life, roadkill, and playing dead. Generally informal.
Frequency
High frequency in Australian English; medium frequency in Southern US English; low frequency in British English outside specific contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “possum” in a Sentence
[subject] play possum[subject] saw a possum [location]the possum [verb of movement]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “possum” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He'll just possum if you confront him.
- Stop possuming and answer the question!
American English
- The suspect possumed when the cops arrived.
- I think the cat's possuming to avoid a bath.
adjective
British English
- It was a classic possum-playing tactic.
- The possum-proof bin was finally installed.
American English
- That possum grin made me suspicious.
- We need a possum-resistant fence.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in fur trade, pest control, or wildlife tourism contexts.
Academic
Used in zoology, ecology, and biology papers with species qualifications (e.g., 'the common brushtail possum').
Everyday
Common in AU/NZ and Southern US for discussing wildlife, pests, or roadkill. The idiom 'play possum' is widely understood.
Technical
Requires taxonomic precision: Family Phalangeridae (AU/NZ) vs. Family Didelphidae (Americas).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “possum”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “possum”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “possum”
- Using 'possum' in formal American biological writing (use 'opossum').
- Assuming all possums are the same species across continents.
- Misspelling as 'opossum' when the clipped form is intended.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In American English, 'possum' is a colloquial clipping of 'opossum'. In Australian English, 'possum' refers to entirely different marsupial families. They are not the same animal.
It's used in most English dialects to mean 'pretend to be dead or unconscious', derived from the opossum's defensive behavior. It's common in both everyday and literary contexts.
Yes, informally, especially in dialects where the noun is common. It means to feign death or ignorance, e.g., 'He's just possuming'.
No, it is generally informal. In formal zoological contexts, use the full species name or 'opossum' for American species. 'Play possum' is an established informal idiom.
A nocturnal, tree-dwelling marsupial native to Australasia and the Americas.
Possum: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpɒsəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpɑːsəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “play possum (pretend to be dead/unconscious)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'POSSUM plays POSSUM' – the animal is famous for pretending.
Conceptual Metaphor
DECEPTION IS PLAYING POSSUM (feigning death/ignorance as a survival strategy).
Practice
Quiz
In which dialect is 'possum' the standard term for native marsupials?