# groundhog

/ˈɡɹaʊndˌhɑɡ/ (US) · /ɡɹˈaʊndhɒɡ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/groundhog
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. the animal

noun · CEFR B2 · American English

a small, furry North American animal that lives in tunnels underground.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. cultural tradition

noun · CEFR B2 · American English

the animal used in a tradition to predict if spring will arrive early.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The groundhog dug a deep hole in the garden.
- We saw a groundhog scurrying across the lawn as we walked our dogs in the morning.
- The presence of a groundhog in the field often indicates a healthy ecosystem, as these burrowing animals aerate the soil and provide shelter for smaller creatures.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.