WordGarden.iolemming
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /lˈɛmɪŋ/
US
- /ˈlɛmɪŋ/
Meanings
Noun
a small northern rodent
a derogatory term for a person who follows a crowd unthinkingly
Beyond the definition
Lemmings are small rodents that live in Arctic regions, little animals made for cold places. People often know them because of the old myth that they run off cliffs in mass suicide. That is not true. Lemmings do move in large groups when looking for food or space, but they are not trying to die. The myth became popular after a Disney documentary showed their behavior in a misleading way.
The word "lemming" has become a metaphor for someone who blindly follows the crowd, even if it leads to disastrous consequences. You might say, "Don't be a lemming! Think for yourself!" or "He just went along with the group like a lemming." It's a cautionary tale about independent thought and resisting peer pressure.
Lemmings are small rodents belonging to the subfamily Arvicolinae, found in tundra and boreal habitats across northern Eurasia and North America. They're known for their thick fur, short legs, and burrowing habits – perfectly adapted for surviving harsh winters. These creatures play an important role in their ecosystems, serving as a food source for predators like foxes, owls, and weasels.
However, lemmings are most famous (and often misunderstood) for the myth of mass suicide. This legend stems from observations of large-scale migrations where lemmings travel long distances to find new breeding grounds or resources. During these journeys, they sometimes encounter obstacles like rivers or cliffs. When faced with these barriers, they'll attempt to swim across or climb over them, and some inevitably fall. Early filmmakers sensationalized this behavior, creating the false impression of a deliberate mass plunge.
Today, "lemming" is used figuratively to describe someone who follows trends or actions without critical thinking, often leading to negative outcomes. It's a powerful metaphor for conformity and the dangers of blindly following the crowd. You might say, "The stock market felt like everyone was acting like lemmings, rushing into risky investments," or "She didn't want to be a lemming and buy the latest gadget just because everyone else did."
So while actual lemmings aren't suicidal, the word serves as a potent reminder to think for yourself and avoid being swept away by the actions of others.
Examples
- 1
Small animal
A lemming darted between the rocks and disappeared into the grass.
- 2
Winter behavior
In winter, lemmings stay active under the snow.
- 3
Financial metaphor
The article described the investors as lemmings, all buying the same risky stock.
- 4
Digital sharing
Don't be a lemming; check the facts before you share the story online.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Sale crowd
Shoppers rushed into the store like lemmings as soon as the sale began.
- Phraselike lemmings
in a crowd, following others without thinking
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- lemmingnoun
Forms
- lemmingspluralnoun