gofer

1 of 3

noun (1)

go·​fer ˈgō-fər 

variants or less commonly go-fer or gopher

informal

: an employee whose duties include running errands : lackey

gopher

2 of 3

noun (2)

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

3 of 3

noun (3)

go·​pher

less common spelling of gofer

informal

: an employee whose duties include running errands : lackey

Examples of gofer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Born into the Church of Scientology and employed by Campbell as a studio gofer for years, Meldal-Johnsen was looking for a gig. — Josephine Reisman, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2026

Ahead, find our shopping list for the Natalie Harp Starter Pack, items curated for the modern on-the-go Trump gofer, MAGA girlboss, and nude-pump enthusiast. — Kase Wickman, Vanity Fair, 20 Aug. 2026

Noun

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)

alteration of go for

Noun (2)

origin unknown

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1938, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1791, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing gofer

• gopher ball
• gopher snake
• pocket gopher

Rhymes for gofer

• gopher
• loafer