dormouse

noun

dor·​mouse ˈdȯr-ˌmau̇s 

plural dormice ˈdȯr-ˌmīs 

: any of numerous small, nocturnal, furry-tailed Old World rodents (family Myoxidae synonym Gliridae) that live mainly in trees and resemble small squirrels

Note: Dormice hibernate during cold weather and may become torpid at other times of the year when food is scarce.

Did you know?

Any of 20 rodent species found throughout Eurasia and North Africa, dormice have large eyes, soft fur, rounded ears, and a hairy tail. They live in trees, bushes, and rock walls and in nests of plant material. They eat fruit, nuts, birds’ eggs, and some insects and small animals. Many species sleep for long periods, particularly in winter. The largest species, known as the edible dormouse, is gray and attains a maximum length of 8 in (20 cm), excluding the 6-in (15-cm) tail.

Examples of dormouse in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Each dormouse is no bigger than the palm of one’s hand, and can weigh just 20 grams. 🌱 Follow Climate & environment Hazel dormice populations have declined 70 percent across the country since 2000, according to the ZSL, and gone extinct in 17 counties. —Sarah Raza, Washington Post, 14 June 2024

The most expensive sculpture in the set is a rare dormouse figurine estimated to sell for upwards of $150,000. —Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 May 2024

Edible dormouse in kitchen by Bertille de Fombelle (via Wikimedia Commons); dormouse stew by Bob Ramsak/piran café (via Flickr). —Elizabeth Preston, Discover Magazine, 17 Nov. 2015

Today, the edible dormouse lives in forests across Europe, as well as in some cities. —Elizabeth Preston, Discover Magazine, 17 Nov. 2015

By capturing and testing small mammals - like this crushingly adorable woodland dormouse - in neighboring agricultural and forested habitats in Tanzania, researchers have demonstrated that agricultural conversion has led to increases in the risk of plague to humans. —Rebecca Kreston, Discover Magazine, 24 Feb. 2015

The edible dormouse is still hunted in Slovenia and Croatia. —Elizabeth Preston, Discover Magazine, 17 Nov. 2015

The dormouse, of course, was the biggest of all the creatures. —Sarah Schutte, National Review, 24 Oct. 2021

Their world seems like our own but then, when a dormouse is offered as a snack, becomes almost carnivalesque. —James Romm, WSJ, 12 Mar. 2021

Word History

Etymology

Middle English dormowse, perhaps from Anglo-French dormir + Middle English mous mouse

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing dormouse

• common dormouse
• hazel dormouse

Kids Definition

dormouse

noun

dor·​mouse ˈdȯ(ə)r-ˌmau̇s 

plural dormice -ˌmīs 

: any of numerous Old World rodents that resemble small squirrels