Marmot
/ˈmɑːr.mət/noun
A large ground-dwelling squirrel found mainly in mountainous or open regions.
Did you know?Unlike words such as “disaster” or “glamour,” marmot has no securely established occult meaning; its earliest origin remains uncertain, possibly involving expressive or imitative naming.
Etymological Timeline
Possibly Medieval
Alpine German dialects
marmot
“A regional name for the mountain-dwelling rodent; the ultimate source is uncertain.”
16th Century
French
marmotte
“The marmot, borrowed or adapted from an Alpine regional form.”
1580s
English
marmot
“A large burrowing rodent, especially one inhabiting mountainous regions.”
18th Century
Latin
Marmota
“Scientific genus name established for marmots, based on the existing vernacular name.”
Modern English
English
marmot
“A stout ground squirrel of the genus Marmota, known for hibernation and loud warning calls.”
Explore more surprising origins