possum Definition
- 1a small to medium-sized marsupial native to Australia, New Guinea, and Sulawesi
- 2a North American marsupial that has grayish fur with a white face and long prehensile tail
Using possum: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "possum" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The possum is a nocturnal animal.
Example
The Virginia opossum is the only marsupial found in North America.
Example
Possums are known for their ability to play dead when threatened.
possum Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with possum
Example
When the predator approached, the possum played dead by lying motionless on the ground.
possum magic
a children's book written by Mem Fox about a possum named Hush who wants to become invisible
Example
Possum Magic is a popular children's book in Australia.
Example
When he saw his surprise party, he was grinning like a possum eating a sweet potato.
Summary: possum in Brief
A 'possum' [ˈpɑsəm] is a small to medium-sized marsupial native to Australia, New Guinea, and Sulawesi, or a North American marsupial that has grayish fur with a white face and long prehensile tail. They are known for their ability to play dead when threatened, and 'playing possum' refers to pretending to be dead or unconscious in order to deceive someone. 'Possum magic' is a popular children's book in Australia, and 'grinning like a possum eating a sweet potato' means to smile widely and happily.
