hamster

noun

ham·​ster ˈham(p)-stər 

: any of a subfamily (Cricetinae) of small Old World rodents having very large cheek pouches

Examples of hamster in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Chewy is your one-stop shop for finding all the best presents for dogs, cats, hamsters and beyond this holiday season. —Kasey Caminiti, USA TODAY, 1 Nov. 2024

The Coopers drew inspiration for the songs from their own upbringings, setting to music incidents like disappearing hamsters, an acorn that grew into an oak and the family celebration when Brittany's brother was potty-trained. —Domenica Bongiovanni, The Indianapolis Star, 11 June 2024

Each of the 10 hamsters, or hamstars, are introduced with their own backstories before taking the stage. —Matt Brennan, Los Angeles Times, 6 Dec. 2024

People bring their iguanas, cats, dogs, gerbils, and hamsters. —Joanna Solotaroff, Vogue, 4 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

German, from Old High German hamustro, of Slavic origin; akin to Old Russian choměstorŭ hamster, of Iranian origin; akin to Avestan hamaēstar- oppressor

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing hamster

• golden hamster
• Syrian hamster

Kids Definition

hamster

noun

ham·​ster ˈham(p)-stər 

: any of various small Old World rodents with a short tail and large cheek pouches

Medical Definition

hamster

noun

ham·​ster ˈham(p)-stər 

: any of numerous Old World rodents (Cricetus or a related genus) having very large cheek pouches and including several used as laboratory animals