woodchuck
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Contents |
English [edit]
Etymology [edit]
From Cree ocêk, otchek (“fisher”) or Ojibwe ojiig (“fisher, marten”), subsequently reapplied to the groundhog.
An earlier form of this word, "woodshock", still sometimes designated the marten.
Pronunciation [edit]
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Audio (UK tonguetwister) (file)
Noun [edit]
woodchuck (plural woodchucks)
- A rodent of the family Sciuridae, belonging to the group of large ground squirrels known as marmots. Scientific name: Marmota monax.
- How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood? — popular tongue-twister.
Synonyms [edit]
- (rodent of the family Sciuridae): groundhog, whistle-pig, land-beaver, moonack
Translations [edit]
rodent of the family Sciuridae
