chipmunk

noun

chip·​munk ˈchip-ˌməŋk How to pronounce chipmunk (audio)
: any of a genus (Tamias) of small striped North American and Asian rodents of the squirrel family

Examples of chipmunk in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
This low-to-the-ground platform feeder is designed with ground feeders in mind, so it’s known to attract ground-feeding birds like doves as well as bunnies, chipmunks, and squirrels. Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Nov. 2025 In a joint post with the official Disney Parks Instagram, Jason shared some adorable family photos taken with famous chipmunks Chip ‘n Dale outside the Tree of Life in the Animal Kingdom park. Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 3 Nov. 2025 Squirrels and Chipmunks in Winter A collection of four stamp designs, Squirrels and Chipmunks in Winter features photographs of two eastern chipmunks, an eastern gray squirrel and an American red squirrel, according to an USPS news release. Greta Cross, USA Today, 29 Oct. 2025 According to the National Wildlife Federation, many animals — including frogs, turtles, chipmunks, and insects — rely on leaf layers for shelter. Diana Leyva, Nashville Tennessean, 21 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for chipmunk

Word History

Etymology

alteration of earlier chitmunk, probably from Ojibwa ačitamo·nʔ red squirrel

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chipmunk was in 1830

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Cite this Entry

“Chipmunk.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chipmunk. Accessed 17 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

chipmunk

noun
chip·​munk ˈchip-ˌməŋk How to pronounce chipmunk (audio)
: any of numerous small striped animals of North America and Asia related to the squirrels

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