: any of various small short-tailed furry-footed rodents (such as genera Lemmus and Dicrostonyx) of circumpolar distribution that are notable for population fluctuations and recurrent mass migrations
Lemmings are the locusts of mammals, and they will strip a habitat bare. Then, they begin migrating forward to find a new feeding ground, swarming over boulders, around trees, whatever stands in their way. If they run into a body of water, they try to swim across.—
Natalie Angier
Natalie Angier
lemminglike
adjective
Lured by stock prices defying gravity and handsome bond yields, Americans have marched into the funds in lemminglike fashion.
—Penelope Wang and David Pauly
Penelope Wang and David Pauly
Examples of lemming in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Yet, despite these warnings, venture capitalists (VCs) have been pouring billions into LLM startups like lemmings heading off a cliff.
—Vivek Wadhwa, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2024
The lemmings may have run off a cliff with their investments, but for those paying attention, the real AI revolution is just beginning.
—Vivek Wadhwa, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2024
Waiting at the carousel like lemmings to reclaim your bag.
—Ryan Krogh, Outside Online, 16 Oct. 2024
And plenty of lemmings, threatening to steal the whole show.
—Marta Balaga, Variety, 20 Sep. 2024
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Vivek Wadhwa, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2024
The lemmings may have run off a cliff with their investments, but for those paying attention, the real AI revolution is just beginning.
—Vivek Wadhwa, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2024
Waiting at the carousel like lemmings to reclaim your bag.
—Ryan Krogh, Outside Online, 16 Oct. 2024
And plenty of lemmings, threatening to steal the whole show.
—Marta Balaga, Variety, 20 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for lemming
Dictionary Entries Near lemming
Cite this Entry
“Lemming.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lemming. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
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lemming
noun
lem·ming
ˈlem-iŋ 
: any of several small short-tailed northern rodents with furry feet and small ears
especially
: a European rodent that takes part in periodic mass migrations which often continue into the sea where large numbers are drowned
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