gopher

¹

[ goh-fer ]

noun

1. any of several ground squirrels of the genus Citellus, of the prairie regions of North America.
2. pocket gopher.
3. gopher tortoise.
4. gopher snake.
5. Gopher, a native or inhabitant of Minnesota (used as a nickname).
6. Gopher, Computers.
   1. a protocol for a menu-based system of accessing documents on the internet.
   2. any program that implements this protocol.

verb (used without object)

1. Mining.
   1. to mine unsystematically.
   2. to enlarge a hole, as in loose soil, with successively larger blasts.

gopher

²

[ goh-fer ]

noun

, Slang.

1. gofer.

gopher

/ ˈɡəʊfə /

noun

1. Also calledpocket gopher any burrowing rodent of the family Geomyidae, of North and Central America, having a thickset body, short legs, and cheek pouches
2. another name for ground squirrel
3. any burrowing tortoise of the genus Gopherus, of SE North America
4. gopher snake
   another name for bull snake

Word History and Origins

Origin of gopher¹

First recorded in 1785–95; earlier megopher, magopher “gopher tortoise”; of obscure origin; spelling copies gopher wood

Origin of gopher²

First recorded in 1925–30; respelling of gofer by association with gopher ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of gopher¹

C19: shortened from earlier megopher or magopher, of obscure origin

Example Sentences

An unsportsmanlike conduct penalty pushed the Gophers into the red zone and another pass interference call in the end zone placed Minnesota at the goal line.

From Los Angeles Times

The Golden Gophers piled up 193 rushing yards and three touchdowns in 40 carries, nine of which came on the final game-winning drive.

From Los Angeles Times

While spirits remained high at practice this week, a loss to the Golden Gophers on Saturday evening at the Rose Bowl would be deflating for a team badly in need of a pick-me-up.

From Los Angeles Times

Except, in this case, after a lengthy video review, officials gave the Gophers the benefit of the doubt.

From Los Angeles Times

Clarity was not forthcoming Monday when Foster was asked what he saw from the film and what the plan would be against the Golden Gophers.

From Los Angeles Times