Illustration of opossum
- opossum 1
plural opossums also opossum
1
: any of a family (Didelphidae) of small- to medium-sized American marsupials that usually have a pointed snout and nearly hairless scaly prehensile tail, are typically active at night, and are sometimes hunted for their fur or meat
especially
: a common omnivorous largely nocturnal mammal (Didelphis virginiana) of North and Central America that is a skilled climber, that typically has a white face and grayish body and in the female a well-developed fur-lined pouch, and that when threatened may feign death by curling up the body and remaining motionless and unresponsive
2
Examples of opossum in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Burmese pythons have reduced raccoon populations by 99%, opossums by 98% and bobcats by 88%, contributing to major ecological disruption in the Everglades, according to researchers and wildlife officials.
—
Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 28 Apr. 2026
Because opossums are common prey for Burmese pythons, scientists expect some of the animals will eventually be eaten, turning them into indirect tracking devices for the snakes.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2026
This invites not only skunks, but also other unwanted visitors such as mice, opossums, and raccoons, says Anderson.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 24 Apr. 2026
If the collared opossums are eaten, then the signal can lead researchers directly to the responsible party.
—Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for opossum
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 28 Apr. 2026
Because opossums are common prey for Burmese pythons, scientists expect some of the animals will eventually be eaten, turning them into indirect tracking devices for the snakes.
—Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2026
This invites not only skunks, but also other unwanted visitors such as mice, opossums, and raccoons, says Anderson.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 24 Apr. 2026
If the collared opossums are eaten, then the signal can lead researchers directly to the responsible party.
—Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 23 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for opossum
Cite this Entry
“Opossum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opossum. Accessed 30 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
opossum
noun
opos·sum
(ə-)ˈpäs-əm 
plural opossums also opossum
: a common marsupial mammal mostly of the eastern U.S. that usually is active at night, has a tail that can wrap around and grasp objects (as tree branches), and is an expert climber
Etymology
from apossoun, opassom, a word in an Algonquian language of Virginia meaning, literally, "white dog"
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
