possum

[US]/'pɒsəm/
[UK]/'pɑsəm/
Frequency: Very High

Translation

n. Australian marsupial
vi. to play dead.

Example Sentences

Jake decided that his best course of action would be to play possum and wait for her to give up.

Last December scientists announced the probable extinction of the first mammal because of climate change: the white lemuroid possum, now gone from Queensland, Australia.

The possum played dead when it felt threatened.

I saw a possum rummaging through the trash cans last night.

Possums are known for their nocturnal habits.

The possum's tail is prehensile, allowing it to grasp branches.

Possums are marsupials, carrying their young in a pouch.

I accidentally startled a possum while hiking in the woods.

Possums have a varied diet, including fruits, insects, and small animals.

The possum's fur is thick and helps it stay warm in cold weather.

Possums are skilled climbers, using their sharp claws to grip onto surfaces.

I once had a possum as a pet and it was surprisingly friendly.

Real-world Examples

That's right. These are my brothers. Possum, possum, possum.

Source: Ice Age 2: The Meltdown

You know that possum that's been ruining our garden?

Source: Desperate Housewives (Audio Version) Season 4

Oh, it might be a possum. I...I saw one the other day.

Source: Desperate Housewives (Audio Version) Season 4

So I went over there and I threw a possum on their roof.

Source: Ozark.

Me? Don't be ridiculous. I'm not a mammoth. I'm a possum.

Source: Ice Age 2: The Meltdown

Because that's what she is. I don't care if she thinks she's a possum.

Source: Ice Age 2: The Meltdown

And news of their recent birth is possum.

Source: CNN 10 Student English of the Month

But the Glades also have lots of raccoons and possums.

Source: Science in 60 Seconds Listening Compilation April 2016

The possum tries to reach the moon to feel taller.

Source: VOA Special English: World

But we usually use " playing possum" in a lighthearted way.

Source: VOA Vocabulary Explanation

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