groundhog

noun

ground·​hog ˈgrau̇n(d)-ˌhȯg How to pronounce groundhog (audio)
-ˌhäg

Examples of groundhog in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Last year, the groundhog saw his shadow at 7:25 a.m. Ashlyn Messier, Fox News, 2 Feb. 2024 German settlers in America continued the tradition with groundhogs, which were more plentiful. Laura Daniella Sepulveda, The Arizona Republic, 2 Feb. 2024 The town will gather at the town square to see what their groundhog, named Hope (the successor of Grubby the Groundhog), predicts for the coming weeks. Katie Wiseman, The Indianapolis Star, 29 Jan. 2024 After Gordy's predecessor groundhog, Wynter, died (also about a month after her last Groundhog Day celebration), Snow Lilly the polar bear stood in at the zoo's 2018 ceremony. Amy Schwabe, Journal Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2024 Phil and Phyllis recently welcomed two baby groundhogs on Saturday, according to the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club. Emily Hung, NBC News, 28 Mar. 2024 Josie Burrow, another groundhog at the Second Chances Wildlife Center was trained to be Major's successor. The Courier-Journal, 23 Feb. 2024 The groundhog might've predicted an early spring, but at least one more bout of winter weather is on its way to Greater Cincinnati. Haadiza Ogwude, The Enquirer, 23 Feb. 2024 By Mary Gilbert and Monica Garrett | CNN Meteorologists Punxsutawney Phil – the famous groundhog weather watcher – woke up and did not see his shadow Friday morning, calling for an early spring. Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 2 Feb. 2024

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

Word History

First Known Use

1741, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of groundhog was in 1741

Dictionary Entries Near groundhog

Cite this Entry

“Groundhog.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/groundhog. Accessed 6 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

groundhog

noun
ground·​hog ˈgrau̇nd-ˌhȯg How to pronounce groundhog (audio)
-ˌhäg

More from Merriam-Webster on groundhog

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