mousetrap

1 of 2

noun

mouse·​trap ˈmau̇s-ˌtrap 

1

: a trap for mice

2

: a stratagem that lures one to defeat or destruction

3

: trap entry 1 sense 2b

mousetrap

2 of 2

verb

mousetrapped; mousetrapping; mousetraps

transitive verb

: to snare in or as if in a mousetrap

Examples of mousetrap in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Some estimate that over 300 startups with a better mousetrap evolved, with billions of dollars pouring into the programs deemed most feasible. —Brian Foley, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024

In addition, the award-winning and emerging writers were asked to include three of eight items in each story: a shovel, the name Sandi, an undertaker, a Minnesota Twins baseball cap, chattering teeth, whistling, smoke and a mousetrap. —Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 24 Nov. 2024

Verb

All of that seems to have been forgotten, though, in the rush to better mousetrap the category with extreme levels of brightness, unconventional form factors, solar charging, and other needless complication. —Wes Siler, Outside Online, 9 Apr. 2020

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

circa 1864, in the meaning defined above