US and UK English
possum vs opossum
Regional usage, spelling, and examples
In North America, opossum names the native marsupial and possum is a common shortened form. In Australia and nearby regions, possums are different marsupials.
Regional decision guide
Use the animal’s region to choose the name
The everyday words overlap, but scientific and regional context keeps the animals distinct.
North America
opossum; possum informally
North American animal
Opossum is the formal name. Possum is a widespread colloquial shortening for the same animal.
A Virginia opossum crossed the yard at night.
Australia, New Zealand, and nearby regions
possum
Australasian animals
Possum refers to several different marsupials, including brushtail and ringtail possums.
A brushtail possum climbed onto the roof.
American speech
uh-POSS-um or POSS-um
Optional first syllable
Many speakers pronounce opossum with the initial vowel; others omit it in casual speech.
Both “opossum” and “possum” occur for the North American animal.
Direct answer
What is the difference?
The North American animal is formally an opossum, especially the Virginia opossum, but speakers often call it a possum and may pronounce opossum without its first syllable. Australian and other Australasian possums belong to different animal groups, so location determines whether possum is a nickname or the animal’s ordinary name.
Optional listening · American English
Compare the regional pronunciation
Switch between American and British English, then hear female and male voices at natural speed for every term.
Word 1
possum
noun
An Australasian marsupial; informally in North America, an opossum.
US pronunciation
/ˈpɑsəm/
UK IPA
/ˈpɒsəm/
Hear two natural voices
Word 2
opossum
noun
A marsupial native to the Americas, especially the Virginia opossum.
US pronunciation
/əˈpɑsəm/
UK IPA
/əˈpɒsəm/
Hear two natural voices
Listen in context
6 example sentences
Context makes meaning, grammar, and natural rhythm easier to understand. Every sentence has its own playback.
Examples with
possum
- A possum climbed the eucalyptus tree.
- We saw a possum near the porch after dark.
- The wildlife guide identified a ringtail possum.
Examples with
opossum
- The opossum carried her young on her back.
- An opossum may play dead when threatened.
- We moved the trash bin so the opossum could not reach it.
Try it yourself
Find the words your listener may hear differently
These sounds can overlap in natural speech, so a transcript cannot prove that one pronunciation is right or wrong. Use it as one clue alongside context.