Word
groundhog
Phoneticsground·hog, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɡɹaʊndˌhɑɡ/
UK/ɡɹˈaʊndhɒɡ/
Definitions
01the animal
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun American English
n. a small, furry North American animal that lives in tunnels underground.
n. a species of marmot, Marmota monax, native to North America, known for its burrowing behavior and hibernation.
“A groundhog lived under our garden shed and ate all the lettuce.”
“The groundhog is one of the few species that enters into true hibernation, remaining in its burrow for the duration of the winter months.”
Synonyms
02cultural tradition
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun American English
n. the animal used in a tradition to predict if spring will arrive early.
n. the focal point of the North American 'Groundhog Day' tradition, where the animal's behavior is said to predict the weather.
“If the groundhog sees its shadow in February, people say winter will last longer.”
“Every February, crowds gather to see if the groundhog will emerge from its hole and provide a sign of an early spring.”
Etymology
From ground + hog.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/groundhog