1. a small to medium-sized marsupial native to the Americas, especially the Virginia opossum, known for playing dead when threatened
2. any of various marsupials native to Australia and nearby regions
Usage: chiefly Australian

Examples

• A possum was rummaging through the garbage cans last night.
• When cornered, the possum played dead until the dog lost interest.
• The children were excited to see a possum family in their backyard.
• Australian possums are quite different from their American counterparts.
• The possum’s prehensile tail helps it climb trees with ease.
• We found possum tracks in the mud near the creek.