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

Related article ‘This case is turning into a hamster wheel’: Family of slain University of Idaho student frustrated at pace of murder trial After the hearing, the family of Goncalves, one of the victims, criticized the slow pace of the proceedings. —Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 1 May 2025

Fast evaluation Bech fills an immediate need for the Raiders and continues the effort to reinvigorate an offense that’s been stuck on a hamster wheel of mediocrity for the last few years. —Tashan Reed, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025

By constantly fielding support tickets and fixing issues one by one, even the best IT teams never get a chance to jump off the ever-spinning hamster wheel to attend to more strategic work instead. —Elise London, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025

The couple's family has welcomed many dogs over the years (and other pets, including birds, hamsters and even a bearded dragon). —Karen Fratti, People.com, 23 Mar. 2025

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