prairie dog

noun

: any of a genus (Cynomys) of gregarious burrowing rodents of the squirrel family chiefly of central and western U.S. plains

especially : a black-tailed rodent (C. ludovicianus) that usually lives in extensive colonial burrows

Illustration of prairie dog

Examples of prairie dog in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Black-footed ferrets, also known as American polecats or prairie dog hunters, are among some of the most endangered mammals in the country. —David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024

Its vast prairies, badlands, and river valleys are home to bison, wild horses, and prairie dogs. —Judy Koutsky, Forbes, 26 Sep. 2024

Many types of animals can be affected by plague, including rock squirrels, wood rats, ground squirrels, prairie dogs, chipmunks, mice, voles and rabbits. —Adela Suliman, Washington Post, 9 July 2024

One of the United States’ four prairie dog species, the Utah prairie dog, is listed as threatened. —Austin Corona, The Arizona Republic, 23 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1774, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

prairie dog

noun

: a black-tailed buff or grayish rodent of central and western U.S. prairies that is related to the squirrels and usually lives in colonies with many burrows