gopher

1 of 2

noun (1)

go·​pher ˈgō-fər 

1

: a burrowing land tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) of the southern U.S.

broadly : any of several related land tortoises

called also gopher tortoise

2

a

: any of a family (Geomyidae) of burrowing rodents of western North America, Central America, and the southern U.S. that are the size of a large rat and have large cheek pouches opening beside the mouth

called also pocket gopher

b

: any of several small ground squirrels (genus Spermophilus) of the prairie region of North America

3

: gopher ball

Illustration of gopher

• gopher 2a

gopher

2 of 2

noun (2)

go·​pher

less common spelling of gofer

informal

: an employee whose duties include running errands : lackey

Examples of gopher in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Designing and building launch facilities on the Space Coast takes a unique talent set that includes managing the expectations of Fortune 500 companies and the capriciousness of gopher tortoises. — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 11 Nov. 2026

Perhaps a gopher, a chipmunk, or some other small creature has dug itself a cozy little underground abode. — Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 7 Nov. 2026

The festival lineup also includes wildlife presentations, exhibitor booths and demonstrations, and a Kids Zone with face painting, lawn games, casting activities, a gopher tortoise burrow exhibit and crafts. — Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 28 Oct. 2026

Make sure gravel pieces are 1 inch or more in diameter, because gophers will push pea-sized gravel to the surface. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 24 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

origin unknown

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1791, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing gopher

• gopher ball
• gopher snake
• pocket gopher

Rhymes for gopher

• loafer

Kids Definition

gopher

noun

go·​pher

ˈgō-fər

1

: a burrowing land tortoise of the southern U.S.

2

a

: any of several burrowing American rodents with large cheek pouches

called also pocket gopher

b

: a small striped ground squirrel of the prairie region of the U.S.