lemming

noun

lem·​ming ˈle-miŋ 

: 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

lemminglike

ˈle-miŋ-ˌlīk 

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

Examples of lemming in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Contrary to the assumption that these migrations are driven by hunger, researchers believe that an abundance of prey, such as lemmings and voles, during the summer breeding season leads to a population boom. —Tom Howarth, Newsweek, 18 Dec. 2024

These high-frequency trading algorithms tend to follow each other, somewhat like lemmings throwing themselves off a cliff. —Susan Harley, Sun Sentinel, 3 Sep. 2024

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

Word History

Etymology

Norwegian

First Known Use

1713, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

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