lemming
16
6.8
- noun
- /ˈlɛmɪŋ/
:
lemming
- Every few years, lemmings migrate in large numbers across the Arctic tundra in search of food.
- collared lemming
- lemming population
- lemming cycles
Examples
-
In Graph I, in which year was the lemming population greatest?
Academic text (1999) -
What ecological factors are likely to induce large-scale synchrony of mouse outbreaks and vole, lemming, and snowshoe hare cycles?
Academic text (2004) -
And over the years we realized that the birds, they prefer the lemmings.
-
The collared lemming at Pearce Point in Arctic Canada persisted at low density for six years.
Academic text (1996) -
In eastern Canada, lemming cycles are synchronous in two species of lemmings over thousands of square kilometers (Krebs 1964).
Academic text (1996) -
The lemming is known for its dramatic migrations, which can lead them over cliffs during certain seasons.
-
During the summer, lemmings can be seen gathering in groups, preparing for their seasonal migration.
Idioms
- Informal
To follow other people without thinking even if it leads to harm
Compounds
A small burrowing animal like a mouse with brown fur and a short tail from northwestern Canada and Alaska
A small animal like a mouse from northern Europe that sometimes moves in large groups and many die in water
- Canadian
A small mouse-like Arctic animal with a ring of lighter fur around the neck
A small animal like a mouse that lives in wet mountain meadows in Canada and Alaska
A small animal like a mouse with a red stripe on its back that lives in cold northern areas
- Specialized
A small northern mouse-like animal with a white winter coat and large digging claws
A small mouse-like animal that lives in wet bogs and meadows in North America
Surface Forms
Etymology
Lemming comes from Norwegian and other Scandinavian languages and names the small Arctic rodent that moves in large groups. A helpful way to remember it is the famous image of many lemmings moving together. People once believed they all ran off cliffs, so today lemming can also mean someone who 'follows the crowd' without thinking.