prairie dog
A 'prairie dog' is a small, burrowing rodent native to North America's grasslands, recognized for its social behavior and distinctive calls.
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Definition
B2Zoology
(technical, academic)A small, stout-bodied rodent of the genus Cynomys, native to North America, known for living in colonies and constructing complex underground burrows.
Example
- The prairie dog is essential to its ecosystem, providing shelter for other animals through its burrows.
- Prairie dogs communicate with each other using a series of high-pitched barks.
B2Informal
(slang, euphemistic)To struggle to hold back an involuntary bowel movement.
Example
- He said he was prairie dogging, so we stopped at the next rest area.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "prairie dog":
prairie chickenground squirrelprairie cloverprairie dockprairie smokeprairie turnip