woodchuck

noun

wood·​chuck ˈwu̇d-ˌchək How to pronounce woodchuck (audio)
: a grizzled thickset marmot (Marmota monax) chiefly of Alaska, Canada, and the northeastern U.S.

called also groundhog

Examples of woodchuck 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.
While a few animals such as woodchucks and bats are true hibernators, many others remain active in both rural and urban areas throughout the winter. Susan Koch, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 2026 This is the gold standard for keeping woodchucks out, says Owen. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 3 Aug. 2025 Woodchuck tick: Also known as the groundhog tick, it is often found on pets near dens of skunks and woodchucks throughout the state. Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 10 May 2025 Unlike previous weather-forecasting woodchucks, Waldo seemed to enjoy being with people. Chris Foran, jsonline.com, 29 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for woodchuck

Word History

Etymology

by folk etymology from a word of Algonquian origin; akin to Narragansett ockqutchaun woodchuck

First Known Use

1674, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of woodchuck was in 1674

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Woodchuck.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/woodchuck. Accessed 16 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

woodchuck

noun
wood·​chuck -ˌchək How to pronounce woodchuck (audio)
: a stocky marmot mostly of Alaska, Canada, and the northeastern U.S.

called also groundhog

More from Merriam-Webster on woodchuck

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