lemming

noun

lem·​ming ˈle-miŋ How to pronounce lemming (audio)
: any of various small short-tailed furry-footed rodents (such as genera Lemmus and Dicrostonyx) of circumpolar distribution that are notable for population fluctuations and recurrent mass migrations
Lemmings are the locusts of mammals, and they will strip a habitat bare. Then, they begin migrating forward to find a new feeding ground, swarming over boulders, around trees, whatever stands in their way. If they run into a body of water, they try to swim across.Natalie Angier
lemminglike adjective
Lured by stock prices defying gravity and handsome bond yields, Americans have marched into the funds in lemminglike fashion. Penelope Wang and David Pauly

Examples of lemming in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The lemmings may have run off a cliff with their investments, but for those paying attention, the real AI revolution is just beginning. Vivek Wadhwa, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2024 Waiting at the carousel like lemmings to reclaim your bag. Ryan Krogh, Outside Online, 16 Oct. 2024 And plenty of lemmings, threatening to steal the whole show. Marta Balaga, Variety, 20 Sep. 2024 Like lemmings chewing at the foundation of a house, AI is starting with the simpler things and those nearest to hand, such as design and subtitling. Patrick Frater, Variety, 11 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for lemming 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lemming.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Norwegian

First Known Use

1713, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of lemming was in 1713

Dictionary Entries Near lemming

Cite this Entry

“Lemming.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lemming. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

lemming

noun
lem·​ming ˈlem-iŋ How to pronounce lemming (audio)
: any of several small short-tailed northern rodents with furry feet and small ears
especially : a European rodent that takes part in periodic mass migrations which often continue into the sea where large numbers are drowned

More from Merriam-Webster on lemming

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