badger
badger Lexical Profile
badger Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A heavily built, short-legged omnivorous mammal of the family Mustelidae, characterized by its distinctive striped face and powerful claws adapted for burrowing, native to North America, Europe, and Asia.
"We were lucky enough to spot a badger emerging from its underground sett at dusk."
American A native or resident of the US state of Wisconsin (often capitalized as Badger).
"As a proud badger, she never missed a chance to cheer for her home state's university football team."
• verb
To repeatedly ask someone to do something; to relentlessly pester or harass.
"The journalists continued to badger the politician for a clear answer regarding the recent scandal."
• Rhymes for badger
Word Origin & Etymology
Early 16th century: originally referring to the animal's distinctive facial stripe, likely from 'badge' + '-er'. The verb sense 'to pester' emerged in the late 18th century, derived from the historical and cruel sport of badger-baiting.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.