Illustration of opossum
- opossum 1
plural opossums also opossum
1
: any of a family (Didelphidae) of small- to medium-sized American marsupials that usually have a pointed snout and nearly hairless scaly prehensile tail, are typically active at night, and are sometimes hunted for their fur or meat
especially
: a common omnivorous largely nocturnal mammal (Didelphis virginiana) of North and Central America that is a skilled climber, that typically has a white face and grayish body and in the female a well-developed fur-lined pouch, and that when threatened may feign death by curling up the body and remaining motionless and unresponsive
2
Examples of opossum in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Like other types of wildlife, such as opossums and skunks, foxes are opportunists and love an easy meal, says Pierce.
—
Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 4 Mar. 2025
The eat some of the same food as alligators — fish, raccoons, opossums, wading birds.
—Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 16 Jan. 2025
Seeking Evolutionary Advantages The common opossum and giant pandas teeth were among the poorest performers, requiring the most pressure to pierce the gelatin.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 10 Jan. 2025
One of several constrictors known to exist in the ‘glades, the python has decimated native species including rabbits, raccoons, opossums, and birds.
—Alan Clemons, Outdoor Life, 20 Feb. 2025
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Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 4 Mar. 2025
The eat some of the same food as alligators — fish, raccoons, opossums, wading birds.
—Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 16 Jan. 2025
Seeking Evolutionary Advantages The common opossum and giant pandas teeth were among the poorest performers, requiring the most pressure to pierce the gelatin.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 10 Jan. 2025
One of several constrictors known to exist in the ‘glades, the python has decimated native species including rabbits, raccoons, opossums, and birds.
—Alan Clemons, Outdoor Life, 20 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for opossum
Cite this Entry
“Opossum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opossum. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
opossum
noun
opos·sum
(ə-)ˈpäs-əm 
plural opossums also opossum
: a common marsupial mammal mostly of the eastern U.S. that usually is active at night, has a tail that can wrap around and grasp objects (as tree branches), and is an expert climber
Etymology
from apossoun, opassom, a word in an Algonquian language of Virginia meaning, literally, "white dog"
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