Definition

1. Noun:
   • A small rodent: A lemming is a type of small, short-tailed rodent with furry feet, found in Arctic and subarctic regions. Lemmings are known for their population cycles and mass migrations.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The Arctic fox preys on the lemming.
  • Scientists study the population cycles of the lemming.

Advanced Usage

• "Like a lemming": Used figuratively to describe a person who unthinkingly follows a crowd, often towards a negative outcome, based on the popular but inaccurate myth of lemmings committing mass suicide.
  • He followed the investment trend like a lemming, losing all his money.

Variants and Related Words

• Lemming-like (adj): Behaving in a way that shows unthinking conformity.
  • The lemming-like behavior of the shoppers rushing to buy the product was astonishing.

Synonyms

• Rodent: A gnawing mammal of an order that includes rats, mice, squirrels, hamsters, porcupines, and their relatives, distinguished by strong constantly growing incisors and no canine teeth. (This is a broader category that includes lemmings.)

Related Phrases

• No specific phrasal verbs are commonly associated with this noun.

Related Idioms

• "To be a lemming": To blindly follow others without independent thought.
  • Don't just be a lemming; think for yourself before you agree.

Noun

1. any of various short-tailed furry-footed rodents of circumpolar distribution