zoomies

English

Etymology

From zoom +‎ -ies.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈzuːmiz/

• Audio (General Australian):

  (file)

• Hyphenation: zoom‧ies

Noun

zoomies

1. plural of zoomie

Noun

zoomies pl (plural only)

1. (US military slang) Nontechnical units of radiation, such as are present in a compartment containing or near nuclear weapons or a nuclear reactor, or are picked up on a dosimeter.

   I wouldn't go back there unless you want to get some zoomies!

   How many zoomies did you get today?

2. (informal) A period of frenzied running in a pet cat or dog.

   Synonyms: FRAP, frenetic random activity period

   • 2005, Eve Adamson, Adopting a Pet For Dummies, page 148:

     No racing madly about for these pretty kitties, although all cats, particularly kittens, get the “zoomies” […]

   • 2011, Jolanta Benal, The Dog Trainer's Complete Guide to a Happy, Well-Behaved Pet:

     There was never a more affectionate dog, or one who looked sillier having the zoomies.

   • 2015, Heidi Dietrich, Mornink Meetink Minuteys By Stellaluna The Cat:

     Dere is more space in de libing woom for zoomies though and wese wike dat a lot. Wese lub zoomies!