Pronunciation: /ˈpɑsəm/

Definitions of possum

noun a small to medium-sized nocturnal marsupial with a pointed snout, long tail, and sharp claws, native to Australia, New Guinea, and Sulawesi.

Example Sentences

A1 I saw a possum in the backyard last night.

A2 Possums are nocturnal animals that are often seen scavenging for food at night.

B1 Possums are marsupials that are native to Australia and nearby islands.

B2 The possum's ability to play dead when threatened is a clever defense mechanism.

C1 Conservation efforts are being made to protect the habitat of possums in order to prevent their decline in population.

C2 Researchers are studying the behavior of possums in urban environments to better understand how they adapt to human presence.

verb Not applicable

Example Sentences

A1 The possum climbed up the tree.

A2 I saw a possum possuming across the road last night.

B1 The possum possumed its way through the bushes to find food.

B2 The possum possumed quietly through the backyard, trying not to be seen.

C1 The skilled tracker possumed through the forest, following the elusive animal's trail.

C2 The expert survivalist knew how to possum through the wilderness without leaving a trace.

adjective Not applicable

Example Sentences

A1 I saw a possum in the backyard last night.

A2 The possums in Australia are known for their nocturnal habits.

B1 The possum population has been increasing in urban areas.

B2 Possum fur is often used in the fashion industry for its softness and warmth.

C1 Conservation efforts are being made to protect the possum species from extinction.

C2 Researchers are studying the behavior of possums in different environments to understand their adaptability.

adverb Not applicable

Example Sentences

A1 The possum quietly climbed up the tree.

A2 I saw a possum playing in the backyard last night.

B1 The possum cautiously approached the food left out for it.

B2 The possum skillfully avoided the traps set by the farmers.

C1 The possum expertly navigated through the dense forest.

C2 The possum stealthily moved through the underbrush, unseen by predators.

pronoun Not applicable

Example Sentences

A1 The possum climbed up the tree.

A2 I saw a possum in the backyard last night.

B1 Possums are known for their nocturnal habits.

B2 The possum's fur was soft and fluffy.

C1 The possum's agility in climbing trees is impressive.

C2 The possum's ability to adapt to various environments is remarkable.

preposition Not applicable

Example Sentences

A1 I saw a possum in the tree.

A2 The possum climbed up the fence.

B1 The possum ran across the road.

B2 The possum hid under the porch.

C1 The possum played dead when threatened.

C2 The possum's nocturnal habits make it a fascinating creature to study.

conjunction Not applicable

Example Sentences

A1 I like to eat possum, but I prefer chicken.

A2 Possums are nocturnal animals, so they are active at night.

B1 I didn't see any possums in the park, but I did see some squirrels.

B2 Possums may look cute, but they can be quite aggressive when threatened.

C1 The possum population in this area has been steadily increasing, posing a threat to local vegetation.

C2 Possums are often considered pests, yet they play an important role in the ecosystem by controlling insect populations.

interjection Not applicable

Example Sentences

A1 Possum! That scared me.

A2 Possum! I almost stepped on it.

B1 Possum! I didn't expect to see one in the backyard.

B2 Possum! It's so cute hanging from the tree.

C1 Possum! I remember seeing one while camping in Australia.

C2 Possum! I heard they are nocturnal animals.

article Not applicable

Example Sentences

A1 I saw a possum in the backyard last night.

A2 Possums are nocturnal animals that are often seen scavenging for food at night.

B1 The possum climbed up the tree to escape from the dog chasing it.

B2 Possums are marsupials that are commonly found in Australia and North America.

C1 The possum's ability to play dead when threatened is a fascinating survival mechanism.

C2 Researchers have studied the behavior and ecology of possums in depth to understand their role in the ecosystem.

Examples of possum in a Sentence

formal The possum is a marsupial native to Australia and surrounding islands.

informal I saw a possum in my backyard last night scavenging for food.

slang That possum is one sneaky critter, always getting into the trash cans.

figurative She played possum during the meeting, pretending to be asleep to avoid participating.

Grammatical Forms of possum

past tense

played

plural

possums

comparative

more possum

superlative

most possum

present tense

possum

future tense

will possum

perfect tense

has possumed

continuous tense

is possuming

singular

possum

positive degree

possum

infinitive

to possum

gerund

possuming

participle

possumed

Origin and Evolution of possum

First Known Use: 1613 year
Language of Origin: Algonquian
Story behind the word: The word 'possum' is derived from the term 'opossum', which comes from the Algonquian language, specifically the Powhatan word 'apasum' meaning 'white animal'.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the term 'opossum' was shortened to 'possum' in colloquial usage, especially in regions where the animal is native such as North America and Australia.