meadow vole

noun

: any of various voles (genus Microtus) that frequent open fields

especially : one (M. pennsylvanicus) that is widespread in North America

called also meadow mouse

Examples of meadow vole in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This publication will provide further information on pocket gophers (and meadow voles) and potential management techniques: Meadow Voles & Pocket Gophers: Management in Lawns, Gardens, & Croplands. —oregonlive, 19 Apr. 2020

One of the miraculous, tiny creatures which remain active below the snow is a small, warm gray mammal, the meadow vole. —New York Times, 11 Jan. 2018

Also handy for the meadow vole are the mysterious and contradictory insulating qualities of snow. —New York Times, 11 Jan. 2018

That is the highest number of rodents to test positive in San Diego County since 2012, when 35 mice and one meadow vole tested positive over the course of the year. —Gig Conaughton, Pomerado News, 1 Mar. 2018

There is not a winter-active predator that doesn’t have a taste for meadow vole. —New York Times, 11 Jan. 2018

Excessive mulch also provides cover for mice and meadow voles, which can eat the bark and kill the tree as the flow of water and nutrients between the roots and canopy is blocked. —Tim Johnson, chicagotribune.com, 5 Sep. 2017

Word History

First Known Use

1801, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for meadow vole

• amphibole
• asystole
• buttonhole
• casserole
• centriole
• decontrol
• glycerol
• metropole
• monopole
• multipole
• omeprazole
• oriole