Vocabulary Spotlight
Chipmunks
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: Small, burrowing rodents with striped backs, commonly found in North America.
“The chipmunks scurried around the park, gathering acorns for the winter.”
Pronunciation
[chip-muhngks]
Synonyms, Antonyms & Related Words
Synonyms
Squirrels
Ground squirrels
Burrowers
Striped squirrels
Antonyms
Birds of prey
Carnivores
Large animals
Reptiles
Related Words
Scurry (verb)
Forage (verb)
Word Origin
The word “chipmunk” is derived from the Ojibwa word “ajidamoo,” meaning “one who descends trees headlong,” describing their behavior and habitat.
Word Family
Noun: Chipmunk – A small, striped burrowing rodent.
Related Noun: Burrow – The hole or tunnel where a chipmunk lives.
Verb: Scurry – To move quickly, often used to describe chipmunks’ movements.
Mnemonics
Think “chip-monk” — a tiny, active creature, much like a little monk collecting food in the woods.
Industry-specific Usage
Wildlife Biology
In wildlife biology, chipmunks are studied for their role in forest ecosystems as seed dispersers and prey for predators.
Ecology
In ecology, chipmunks help in seed propagation, which supports plant growth and forest health.
Animal Behavior
Animal behaviorists study chipmunks to understand their foraging habits and social interactions within their species.
In Context
Chipmunks are known for their energy and resourcefulness, storing food and burrowing to survive through winter. They are also symbolic of preparedness and survival instincts in nature.