Definition

Noun: A small, striped rodent belonging to the squirrel family (Sciuridae), specifically of the genus Tamias. Chipmunks are characterized by their distinctive light and dark stripes running along their back and face, and their habit of storing food in expandable cheek pouches. They are primarily ground-dwelling and often burrow.

Examples

• We saw a chipmunk gathering seeds near the tree stump.
• The chipmunk stuffed its cheek pouches full of nuts.
• A common sight in the park is a chipmunk darting across the path.

Advanced Usage

• "To work like a chipmunk": An informal phrase suggesting someone is busily gathering or preparing, often for the future, much like a chipmunk collects food for winter.
  • She's been working like a chipmunk all week to finish the project ahead of the deadline.

Variants and Related Words

• Chipmunked (adj., informal): Describing a voice that has been altered to sound high-pitched and squeaky, reminiscent of a chipmunk's chitter, often due to audio manipulation.
  • The helium made his voice sound completely chipmunked.

Synonyms

• Ground squirrel: A broader term for squirrels that live primarily on the ground, which includes chipmunks.
• Striped squirrel: A descriptive, non-scientific synonym.

Related Phrases

• "Cheeks like a chipmunk": A simile describing someone with their cheeks puffed out, typically because they are holding food in their mouth.
  • He tried to answer with his cheeks like a chipmunk, full of popcorn.

Noun

1. a burrowing ground squirrel of western America and Asia; has cheek pouches and a light and dark stripe running down the body