What does marmot mean?
A marmot is a large, stocky ground squirrel that lives mainly in burrows. Different species occur across parts of North America and Eurasia, including the familiar yellow-bellied marmot of the western United States, the widespread alpine marmot, and the hoary marmot of northern regions. Although they are sometimes described generally as ground squirrels, marmots are a distinct group within the squirrel family. They commonly emerge from their burrows to feed on grasses, herbs, and other vegetation, and they often sit upright or produce a conspicuous whistling alarm call. Marmots are most associated with mountainous and open habitats, though some species live in tundra, woodland, or prairie environments. The word is also culturally associated with an old belief that marmots can predict earthquakes, particularly the yellow-bellied marmot. In scientific writing, "marmot" can refer to an individual animal or, collectively, to the members of the genus Marmota.
nounAny of various large, stocky ground squirrels of the genus Marmota, typically living in burrows in mountainous or open terrain. Several species are commonly called marmots, including the yellow-bellied, hoary, and alpine marmots.
- Any of various large, burrowing ground squirrels belonging to the genus Marmota, found mainly in North America and Eurasia.
"An alpine marmot stood upright on a rock above the mountain meadow."
"The marmot ducked into its burrow as the hikers approached."
"A whistle from a marmot echoed across the alpine meadow."
The plural is formed by adding -s.
"Several marmots gathered beside the trail."
Yellow-bellied marmots have a folklore reputation for sensing earthquakes, although the evidence for genuine earthquake prediction remains anecdotal.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does marmot come from?
The English word entered through French marmotte, an older French form of the animal's name. The French word is related to the scientific genus name Marmota, established for the group of burrowing ground squirrels. The precise origin of the older root is uncertain, so the family connection is less certain than the direct borrowing from French.
How marmot is actually used
The term normally refers specifically to members of Marmota rather than to all ground squirrels. The North American name "whistler" is sometimes used informally for marmots because of their characteristic calls.
Easily confused with marmot
Both are burrowing rodents, but marmots belong to the genus Marmota, whereas prairie dogs belong to the genera Cynomys and Chondrocoma.