Dictionary
opossum
noun opos·sum \(ə-)ˈpä-səm\
: a somewhat small white or gray animal that is usually active at night and that lives in North and South America and in Australia
plural opossums also opossum
Full Definition of OPOSSUM
1
: any of a family (Didelphidae) of American marsupials that usually have a pointed snout and prehensile tail; especially : a common omnivorous largely nocturnal mammal (Didelphis virginiana) of North America that has grayish to blackish fur with white on the cheeks and is an expert climber
2
: any of several Australian phalangers
See opossum defined for English-language learners
See opossum defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Illustration of OPOSSUM
Origin of OPOSSUM
earlier apossoun, opassom, Virginia Algonquian, from Algonquian *wa·p- white + *-aʔθemw- dog
First Known Use: 1610
Rhymes with OPOSSUM
OPOSSUM Defined for Kids
opossum
noun opos·sum \ə-ˈpä-səm\
Definition of OPOSSUM for Kids
: an American animal related to the kangaroo that has a long pointed snout, lives both on the ground and in trees, and is active at night
Learn More About OPOSSUM
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: opossum mousePrevious Word in the Dictionary: opopanaxAll Words Near: opossum
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up opossum? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).