Lemmings Meaning and Definition
Lemmings
Pronunciation
/ˈlɛmɪŋz/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A lemming is a small, furry rodent that belongs to the subfamily Arvicolinae. They are typically found in Arctic and subarctic regions and are known for their rapid reproduction and ability to migrate in large numbers.
Examples
1. “The lemmings in the area were thriving due to the abundance of food and shelter.”
2. “Researchers studied the migration patterns of lemmings to better understand their behavior.”
Synonyms
1. Northern vole
2. Mountain hare
Antonyms
1. Non- migratory animals
2. Desert-dwelling creatures
The term “lemming” is believed to have originated from the Norwegian word “lemmeld”, which refers to the Lemmelinga, a small mammal of the rodent subfamily Arvicolinae.
Usage Notes
Lemmings are often referred to in popular culture as a symbol of mass migration or reckless behavior, but this is largely a misconception based on an early Disney nature film.
Cultural References
Lemmings have been referenced in popular culture in various contexts, such as the video game Lemmings and the novel Lemmings by Australian author Christopher Scanlan.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
1. “Like a lemming” – used to describe someone or something that is blindly following a crowd or engaging in reckless behavior.
Collocations
1. “lemming colony”
2. “lemming population explosion”
Frequency of Use
The word “lemmings” is not as commonly used as some other rodent-related terms, but it still appears frequently in scientific and cultural contexts.
Common Misspellings
1. Lemmims
2. Lemings
Additional Information
Lemmings are known to play a crucial role in their ecosystems, serving as prey for various predators and helping to disperse seeds through their burrowing activities.
These small rodents are also skilled swimmers, and some species are known to swim long distances to escape danger or find new habitats.
Lemmings are generally small in size, ranging from 3-10 inches (7-25 cm) in length and weighing between 0.7-1.2 oz (20-30 grams). They have a relatively short lifespan, typically ranging from 1-2 years in the wild.