How Do You Spell MOLEHILLS?

Pronunciation: [mˈə͡ʊlhɪlz] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "molehills" is a little tricky. The first part of the word is spelled "mole," which is pronounced /moʊl/ (mōl) and refers to a small burrowing mammal. The second part of the word is spelled "hills," which is pronounced /hɪlz/ (hilz) and means small elevations in the ground. So when combined, "molehills" is pronounced /moʊlhɪlz/ (mōl-hilz), and refers to the small hills created by a mole's underground burrowing.

MOLEHILLS Meaning and Definition

1. Molehills are small mounds or piles of earth that are created by moles while burrowing underground. A mole is a small, cylindrical mammal that has specialized limbs and a pointed snout, enabling it to dig intricate networks of tunnels underground. As it tirelessly excavates its subterranean habitat, the loose soil it displaces is pushed up to the surface, resulting in the formation of molehills.

   The term "molehills" can also be used metaphorically to refer to insignificant or exaggerated issues or problems that are blown out of proportion, becoming obstacles or sources of concern. Similarly, it can describe trivial matters or incidents that are unwarranted or perceived as more significant than they actually are.

   In physical terms, molehills are typically small and easily noticeable, consisting of loose, finely granulated soil. They range in size depending on the species of mole and the depth at which the burrows are created. Molehills can be found in various environments, including lawns, meadows, gardens, and agricultural fields, causing surface disturbances due to the raised earth. Gardeners and farmers often view molehills as nuisances or obstacles that can disrupt the smoothness of the surface, creating issues with lawn aesthetics or affecting the growth of crops.

   In summary, molehills are small mounds of earth created as a result of moles burrowing underground. Metaphorically, the term can also refer to trivial or exaggerated problems or incidents that are blown out of proportion.

Common Misspellings for MOLEHILLS

• moleciles
• nolehills
• kolehills
• jolehills
• milehills
• mklehills
• mllehills
• mplehills
• m0lehills
• m9lehills
• mokehills
• mopehills
• mooehills
• mohlhills
• mollhills
• moolhills

Etymology of MOLEHILLS

The word "molehills" is derived from the combination of two words: "mole" and "hills".

The term "mole" originates from Middle English "moul", which comes from Old English "mōl", both of which refer to a small burrowing mammal known as a mole. The word "mole" can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic root "*mul-", meaning "to grind". This likely refers to the moles' grinding action as they burrow through the soil, creating their distinctive tunnels and mounds.

On the other hand, the word "hill" originates from Old English "hyll" or "hill", which refers to a naturally raised area of land, typically with rounded or sloping sides.

So, when combined, "molehills" refers to the small mounds of soil created by moles as they burrow underground.