prairie dog

noun

: any of a genus (Cynomys) of gregarious burrowing rodents of the squirrel family chiefly of central and western U.S. plains

especially : a black-tailed rodent (C. ludovicianus) that usually lives in extensive colonial burrows

Illustration of prairie dog

Examples of prairie dog in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Birds, pollinators and smaller mammals, such as prairie dogs, also depend on the open, grassy ecosystem and assist in maintaining the biodiversity, Estes said. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 17 June 2026

The red-rock haven features tight orange canyons and spruce and fir forests, with wildlife like prairie dogs, pronghorns, and migrating hummingbirds. —Stephanie Vermillion, Travel + Leisure, 17 May 2026

Just inside the park’s gates, a prairie dog town is home to more than 600 of the engaging rodents, which are part of the squirrel family. —Marnie Hunter, CNN Money, 14 May 2026

Also look out for elk, mountain goats, mountain lions, and prairie dogs. —Robert Annis, Midwest Living, 14 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1774, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for prairie dog

• analog
• analogue
• catalogue
• decalogue
• demagogue
• dialogue
• epilogue
• homologue
• monologue
• pedagogue
• synagogue
• tagalog

Kids Definition

prairie dog

noun

: a black-tailed buff or grayish rodent of central and western U.S. prairies that is related to the squirrels and usually lives in colonies with many burrows