Meaning of the word lemming in English

What does lemming mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

lemming

US /ˈlem.ɪŋ/
UK /ˈlem.ɪŋ/
"lemming" picture

Noun

1.

a small, short-tailed, furry rodent found in the Arctic tundra, known for its cyclical population explosions and mass migrations, sometimes leading to large numbers drowning in the sea

Example:
The documentary showed a large group of lemmings migrating across the snowy landscape.
Despite popular myth, lemmings do not intentionally commit mass suicide.
2.

a person who unthinkingly follows a mass movement, especially a headlong or self-destructive one

Example:
He criticized the investors for acting like lemmings, blindly following the market trend.
The company's decision to cut corners was a classic case of corporate lemmings heading for disaster.