-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
ground squirrel
noun
: any of various burrowing North American and Eurasian rodents (especially genus Spermophilus) of the squirrel family that often live in colonies especially in open areas (such as grasslands)
called also spermophile
Examples of ground squirrel in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Over 18 observational days in June and July 2024, the researchers observed dozens of instances of ground squirrels actively hunting and/or preying upon smaller rodents called California voles.
—Michael Irving, New Atlas, 22 Dec. 2024
As part of an ongoing 12-year study of California ground squirrels at Briones Regional Park in Contra Costa County, researchers last summer watched as squirrels began to chase — and eat — voles, a cousin of field mice.
—Sandra McDonald, Los Angeles Times, 19 Dec. 2024
The current research is part of an ongoing long-term behavioral ecology study of ground squirrels in a section of Briones Regional Park in California.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 18 Dec. 2024
California ground squirrels have typically been considered herbivores or granivores, eating mostly plants and seeds.
—Julianna Bragg, CNN, 18 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for ground squirrel
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Word History
First Known Use
1688, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near ground squirrel
Cite this Entry
“Ground squirrel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ground%20squirrel. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.
Kids Definition
ground squirrel
noun
: any of numerous burrowing rodents (as gophers and chipmunks) that differ from true squirrels in having cheek pouches and shorter fur
More from Merriam-Webster on ground squirrel
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ground squirrel
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share