deer mouse

noun

: any of various mice (genus Peromyscus) of North and Central America
especially : one (P. maniculatus) widely distributed in forests and grasslands of North America

Examples of deer mouse in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The risk can increase when opening or cleaning cabins, sheds, barns or storage buildings in rural areas that have been closed for the winter and where deer mice have entered, experts say. Shiv Sudhakar, NBC News, 23 July 2024 Symptoms of hantavirus Particles containing hantavirus get into the air when urine, saliva or poop from deer mice are stirred up, leading to hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). Shiv Sudhakar, NBC News, 23 July 2024 The respiratory virus is associated with wild rodents, primarily the deer mouse, according to health officials in a Friday news release. Rey Covarrubias Jr., The Arizona Republic, 12 July 2024 The year after the Institute of Medicine's report was published, five healthy young people collapsed and died in the Southwestern U.S. from a hantavirus passed to them by deer mice. Maryn McKenna, Scientific American, 1 Sep. 2020 Rosy boas can eat small mammals, such as kangaroo rats and deer mice, according to Web MD. Elizabeth Gamillo, Discover Magazine, 30 Nov. 2023 The second is the Peromyscus, also known as the deer mouse. Rachel Kurzius, Washington Post, 12 July 2023 Barberry also provides a good place for white-footed deer mice to hide from predators. Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 8 Aug. 2023 The year after the Institute of Medicine’s report was published, five healthy young people collapsed and died in the Southwestern U.S. from a hantavirus passed to them by deer mice. Maryn McKenna, Scientific American, 1 Sep. 2020

Word History

Etymology

from its agility

First Known Use

1833, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of deer mouse was in 1833

Dictionary Entries Near deer mouse

Cite this Entry

“Deer mouse.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deer%20mouse. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

deer mouse

noun
: any of numerous North American mice of fields and woodlands

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